The Two Popes
2019 · Directed by Fernando Meirelles
Original language: English
- drama
- history
The story
Frustrated with the direction of the church, Cardinal Bergoglio requests permission to retire in 2012 from Pope Benedict. Instead, facing scandal and self-doubt, the introspective Pope Benedict summons his harshest critic and future successor to Rome to reveal a secret that would shake the foundations of the Catholic Church.
What it’s like
Warm, talky, and softly lit, with long two-shot conversations held in Vatican corridors, the Sistine Chapel's pale stone, and the gold-and-red glow of papal rooms. Meirelles frames his two old men in close, unhurried compositions, letting the camera drift between their faces as they argue over tea, football, and faith; flashbacks to Buenos Aires arrive in grainier, sun-faded Argentine streets and cramped kitchens that feel like a different film. Scoring is light, with sparse piano and a few swelling strings, and much of the dialogue carries the weight. The vibe is gentle, wry, and quietly reflective, the kind of conversation you could sink into on a rainy Sunday or a slow evening. Pacing is leisurely but never dull, and the emotional register stays humane and funny: two stubborn men, one tired and self-doubting, the other a reformer who slowly softens toward his rival. There is no graphic violence, no sex, and almost no menace; the sharpest moments are scandal discussed in hushed rooms. For people who want thoughtful, character-driven drama with real warmth, humour, and a sense of place, and who would rather listen to two good actors trade lines than watch action.
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