The Two Popes Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two old guys argue about God, Abba, and pizza, then one quits being Pope so the other can take over, and they watch soccer together.

🍿 The Two Popes: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Conclave and Initial Conflict

The film opens with the death of Pope John Paul II, leading to the 2005 papal conclave. Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce), Archbishop of Buenos Aires, and Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (Anthony Hopkins) are both key figures. Ratzinger, a conservative, is ultimately elected Pope Benedict XVI, while Bergoglio, a more progressive cardinal, is left disappointed. The film subtly establishes the contrasting ideologies and potential for future conflict between these two men. Seven years later, the Catholic Church is facing numerous challenges, including the Vatican leaks scandal and accusations of covering up sexual abuse cases. Pope Benedict XVI’s leadership is being questioned, and the Church is experiencing a decline in membership. Cardinal Bergoglio, feeling disillusioned, submits his resignation as Archbishop, setting the stage for a pivotal encounter with the Pope.

A Meeting of Minds

Bergoglio travels to Rome to personally deliver his resignation letter to Pope Benedict. The two meet at Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence, and engage in intense debates about the direction of the Church. Their differing views on issues such as handling sexual abuse cases, offering communion to divorced individuals, and the Church’s relationship with the modern world become apparent. These discussions reveal the core philosophical differences that separate the two men. The film utilizes flashbacks to explore Bergoglio’s past, including his early life in Argentina and his journey to becoming a priest. These glimpses into his history provide context for his progressive views and his deep connection to the people. We learn about his initial engagement before dedicating his life to the church.

Confessions and Absolution

The dynamic between the two men begins to shift as they share personal stories and vulnerabilities. Benedict reveals his intention to resign from the papacy, shocking Bergoglio. Bergoglio, in turn, confesses his own past failings, including his perceived collaboration with the Argentine military dictatorship during the “Dirty War” and his guilt over failing to protect his Jesuit friends. Benedict offers Bergoglio absolution, providing him with a sense of peace and reconciliation. In a powerful moment of vulnerability, Benedict confesses that he no longer hears God’s word, solidifying his decision to abdicate. Bergoglio comforts Benedict and offers him absolution as well, marking a turning point in their relationship. These acts of confession and absolution forge a deeper connection between the two men, transcending their ideological differences.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce): A progressive Argentinian cardinal who seeks to retire but is called upon to potentially lead the Catholic Church in a new direction.
• Cardinal Ratzinger (Anthony Hopkins): The conservative Pope Benedict XVI, facing scandals and self-doubt, contemplates a historic decision regarding his papacy.
• Younger Jorge Bergoglio (Juan Minujín): A younger version of Cardinal Bergoglio, depicting his early life and the events that shaped his faith and values in Argentina.
• Cardinal Hummes (Luis Gnecco): A cardinal who supports Bergoglio and represents a faction within the church seeking reform and change.
• Lisabetta (Cristina Banegas): A character from Bergoglio’s past, representing his connection to the people and the social issues he cares about.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Pope Benedict: “Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.” – Pope Benedict explains his view on the importance of tradition in the Catholic Church.
• Cardinal Bergoglio: “If I focus on the past, all I see is what was lost. I have to look forward and be grateful for what remains.” – Cardinal Bergoglio reflects on his past and the need to move forward with hope.
• Cardinal Bergoglio: “God is in the street.” – Cardinal Bergoglio explains why the church needs to be among the people, not separated from them.
• Pope Benedict: “Sometimes it is easier to follow rules than to lead.” – Pope Benedict expresses his struggle with the responsibilities of his position and the difficulties of leading the Church.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $243,711

💥 The Two Popes Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely captivated by this movie. The dialogue felt so real, and I loved seeing these two iconic actors bring these historical figures to life. The scene where they share their confessions was incredibly moving, and it made me think about faith and forgiveness in a whole new way. It felt like I was eavesdropping on a fascinating conversation between two very different, but equally compelling, individuals. Definitely a must-watch!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of biographical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in the inner workings of the Catholic Church”
  • “Those who appreciate strong acting performances”
  • “Individuals seeking thought-provoking films about faith and leadership”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief discussions of sexual abuse allegations”
  • “References to political violence and human rights abuses”
  • “Mature thematic elements”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Hopkins and Pryce are phenomenal. Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable as they navigate complex theological and personal issues. Meirelles directs with a delicate touch, balancing humor and gravitas.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A thoughtful and engaging film that explores the tension between tradition and progress within the Catholic Church. Pryce delivers a nuanced portrayal of Pope Francis, while Hopkins is superb as the conflicted Benedict.

Audience Reactions

The acting was superb, particularly the chemistry between Hopkins and Pryce.: Viewers appreciated the nuanced performances and insightful dialogue.

The film humanized these larger-than-life figures, making them relatable and understandable.: The movie provides a unique perspective on the inner workings of the Vatican and the challenges facing the Catholic Church.

Overall Consensus: A critically acclaimed film praised for its outstanding performances, thought-provoking script, and insightful exploration of faith, tradition, and change within the Catholic Church.

Awards

1. BAFTA Awards (Best Adapted Screenplay)- 2020

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The Sistine Chapel was recreated in a studio because filming was not allowed inside the actual chapel. The set designers went to great lengths to replicate the details, using photographs and special lighting techniques to mimic the real environment.”
• “Jonathan Pryce researched Pope Francis extensively, studying his mannerisms and speeches to accurately portray him. He also found their shared Welsh heritage (Pryce being Welsh) to be a point of connection.”
• “The filmmakers chose to shoot in Argentina to capture the essence of Cardinal Bergoglio’s life and experiences. These scenes add depth and authenticity to his character.”
• “Anthony Hopkins initially hesitated to take on the role of Pope Benedict XVI, but he was ultimately drawn to the script’s exploration of faith, doubt, and the burden of leadership.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Two Popes?

The Two Popes is available to stream on Netflix with a subscription. Unfortunately, rental or purchase options are unavailable on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play. Check your local listings for potential future availability on demand.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Two Popes, you might like these similar films:

• Doubt (2008): Explores conflicts within the Catholic Church and moral dilemmas faced by its leaders.
• Pope John Paul II (1984): Biography of Pope John Paul II, showing his transformation from humble beginnings to a revered spiritual leader.
• Frost/Nixon (2008): Features intense dialogue and conflicting viewpoints between two powerful figures during a pivotal moment in history.
• The Queen (2006): Depicts the behind-the-scenes political maneuvering and personal struggles of a leader in the face of public scrutiny.

🛒 The Two Popes Related Products

• The Two Popes: Francis, Benedict, and the Decision That Shook the World: The book that inspired the movie, providing a deeper dive into the lives and relationship of the two Popes.
• Pope Francis Bobblehead: A fun and unique collectible item that captures the image of Pope Francis, making it a great gift for fans of the movie and the Pope himself.
• Kommissar Rex: Complete Series: The complete series of Pope Benedict XVI’s favorite TV Show. Perfect for fans of the movie who want to have a deeper connection with him. Available in most devices that support video streaming.
• The Vatican: All the Paintings: This book provides a detailed journey through the Vatican’s art collection. A beautiful coffee table book.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Two Popes features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Besame Mucho” – performed by Consuelo Velázquez
• “Ich hab mein Sach auf Nichts gestellt” – performed by Johann Sebastian Bach

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Two Popes Sing ABBA

Did you know there’s a part in the movie where the popes sing ABBA? It’s a fun and unexpected moment that will make you smile and appreciate the lighter side of the film. Check it out!

Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce Discuss ‘The Two Popes’

If you loved ‘The Two Popes,’ you can’t miss this insightful interview with the lead actors. They delve into the complexities of their characters, the film’s themes, and their own experiences with faith. It’s a must-watch for fans of the movie and anyone interested in the art of filmmaking.

Bishop Confronts Pope in ‘The Two Popes’

Get ready for a powerful scene from ‘The Two Popes’ that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This clip showcases the intensity of the confrontation between the bishop and the Pope, perfectly capturing the film’s exploration of power dynamics and differing beliefs.

✨ Rate