When two of the world’s most powerful religious figures sit down for pizza and Fanta, you know you’re not watching your average Vatican drama. The Two Popes (2019), directed by Fernando Meirelles and starring Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict XVI and Jonathan Pryce as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (later Pope Francis), delivers a surprisingly intimate, witty, and moving portrait of a Church at a crossroads-and of two very human men wrestling with faith, power, and forgiveness.
If you’re searching for a “The Two Popes review,” want to know how Anthony Hopkins fares as Pope Benedict, or are curious about the film’s historical accuracy and Netflix credentials, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into this analysis.
Synopsis and plot summary
Set against the backdrop of one of the most turbulent periods in recent Catholic Church history, The Two Popes dramatizes the relationship and ideological clash between Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Bergoglio. The film opens in 2005, as the conservative German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger is elected Pope Benedict XVI. Fast forward to 2012, and the Church is beset by scandal, declining attendance, and a crisis of confidence.
Cardinal Bergoglio, the progressive Archbishop of Buenos Aires, is seeking permission to retire, but Benedict summons him to the Vatican. What follows is a series of intimate, often humorous, and sometimes contentious conversations between the two men-one clinging to tradition, the other advocating for reform. Flashbacks to Bergoglio’s youth in Argentina during the Dirty War provide context for his humility and his own struggles with guilt and leadership.
The central conflict is not just about Church doctrine, but about personal faith, doubt, and the heavy burden of leadership. The film culminates in Benedict’s shocking decision to resign (the first papal resignation in centuries), paving the way for Bergoglio to become Pope Francis.
Themes explored
Tradition vs. progress:
The film’s core tension lies in the ideological divide between Benedict’s conservatism and Bergoglio’s reformist zeal. Their debates-sometimes sharp, sometimes playful-reflect broader questions about the future of the Catholic Church and its role in a changing world.
Faith and doubt:
Both men grapple with spiritual uncertainty. Benedict confesses to feeling distant from God, while Bergoglio is haunted by his actions (and inactions) during Argentina’s dictatorship. Their vulnerability humanises them, showing that even popes are not immune to doubt.
The burden of leadership:
The film explores the immense loneliness and responsibility that comes with the papacy. Benedict’s resignation is portrayed not as weakness, but as a courageous act of self-awareness.
Forgiveness and reconciliation:
Personal confession and mutual forgiveness are at the heart of the story. Both men must confront their pasts and forgive themselves-and each other-to move forward.
The future of the papacy:
By juxtaposing the two men’s visions, the film asks what kind of leadership the Church-and the world-needs.
Character analysis and performances
Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict XVI:
Hopkins delivers a masterclass in subtlety, portraying Benedict as reserved, scholarly, and deeply introspective. His performance is layered: at times icy and rigid, at others vulnerable and even humorous. Hopkins captures Benedict’s internal struggle-his sense of inadequacy and his ultimate humility in stepping down.
Jonathan Pryce as Cardinal Bergoglio / Pope Francis:
Pryce is magnetic as Bergoglio, embodying warmth, humility, and wit. He brings a lightness to the role, but also conveys the weight of Bergoglio’s personal guilt and his drive for reform. The chemistry between Pryce and Hopkins is electric, elevating their exchanges from mere dialogue to genuine cinematic sparring.
Supporting cast:
Juan Minujín as young Bergoglio adds emotional depth, particularly in flashbacks to Argentina’s Dirty War, while the supporting cardinals provide moments of levity and context.
Directorial style and cinematography
Fernando Meirelles, known for City of God and The Constant Gardener, brings a vibrant, kinetic energy to what could have been a static “two-men-talking” drama. The film is visually inventive:
- Locations: Shot in Rome, Buenos Aires, and meticulously recreated Vatican sets (including a stunning Sistine Chapel), the film feels authentic and immersive.
- Lighting and colour: Meirelles uses light and shadow to mirror the characters’ internal states-gloomy interiors for Benedict, sunlit gardens for Bergoglio.
- Camera work: The camera is often handheld, lending intimacy and immediacy to the conversations. Black-and-white flashbacks to Argentina provide stylistic contrast and emotional resonance.
- Music: The soundtrack is eclectic, from classical piano (Benedict’s “Clair de Lune”) to ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” reflecting the popes’ personalities and the film’s playful tone.
Historical accuracy
While The Two Popes is rooted in real events-the 2005 conclave, Benedict’s resignation, Francis’s election-much of the dialogue and the private meetings are fictionalised. The real Benedict and Bergoglio never had the extended, confessional conversations depicted here. The film takes creative liberties to explore their differences and common ground, using their relationship as a lens for broader Church debates.
The film does not shy away from controversy, touching on the Church’s abuse scandals and Bergoglio’s controversial past in Argentina. However, some critics argue it simplifies complex issues and favours Francis’s perspective.
Critical reception
The Two Popes was widely praised for its performances, direction, and screenplay:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
- Metacritic: 75/100
- Awards: Oscar nominations for both leads and screenplay, multiple BAFTA and Golden Globe nods.
Critics lauded the chemistry between Pryce and Hopkins, the film’s humour, and its ability to make theological debates accessible and entertaining. Some, however, felt it oversimplified the real-life figures and their theological differences, and wished for a deeper exploration of Benedict’s character and the Church’s scandals.
My opinion: The Two Popes – A human drama in Papal Robes
The Two Popes succeeds as both a character study and a philosophical drama. It’s rare to see a film about faith that is neither preachy nor cynical, and rarer still to see two elderly men discussing doctrine and doubt with such wit and warmth. Hopkins and Pryce are simply outstanding-watching them is like witnessing a masterclass in acting.
The film’s greatest strength is its humanity. By showing Benedict and Francis as flawed, searching men, it demystifies the papacy without disrespecting it. The pizza-and-Fanta scenes, the gentle ribbing about football and ABBA, the moments of confession and forgiveness-all serve to remind us that, beneath the robes, these are men like us.
Is it historically accurate? Not entirely. Is it spiritually profound? At times, yes. Is it entertaining? Absolutely.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)
Where to watch
- Streaming: Exclusively on Netflix worldwide.
- VOD: Not available on other platforms as of April 2025.
Essential details
- Title: The Two Popes
- Director: Fernando Meirelles
- Screenplay: Anthony McCarten
- Main Cast:
- Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict XVI
- Jonathan Pryce as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio / Pope Francis
- Juan Minujín as Young Bergoglio
- Release Date: December 20, 2019
- Platform: Netflix (globally available)
- Genre: Biographical Drama
- Runtime: 125 minutes
- Awards: Oscar nominations for Best Actor (Pryce), Best Supporting Actor (Hopkins), Best Adapted Screenplay; multiple BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations
FAQs
Is The Two Popes based on a true story?
Yes, but it is heavily fictionalised. The central meetings and dialogues are imagined, though inspired by real events.
How accurate is the portrayal of Pope Benedict and Pope Francis?
The film captures their public personas and some real biographical details but takes creative liberties with their private conversations and motivations.
What are the main themes?
Tradition vs. progress, faith and doubt, forgiveness, leadership, and the future of the Catholic Church.
Is The Two Popes suitable for non-Catholics?
Absolutely. The film is accessible, humorous, and moving, regardless of your religious background.
Final thoughts
The Two Popes is a rare gem: a film about religion that’s as interested in people as it is in doctrine. It’s a must-watch for anyone curious about the Catholic Church, the nature of leadership, or simply the art of great acting. Whether you’re searching for “Anthony Hopkins Pope Benedict,” “Jonathan Pryce Pope Francis,” or just a thoughtful Netflix drama, this film delivers humanity, humour, and hope in equal measure.
So, pour yourself a Fanta, order a pizza, and let these two popes remind you that even the holiest among us are only human.
