Jonathan Pryce
Jorge Bergoglio / Pope Francis
Overview
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.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Vatican as a Sitcom Set
I’ve seen this trick before: take two men in cassocks, give them opposing worldviews, lock them in a room, and let the sparks fly. It’s the odd-couple formula, the same one that powered The Odd Couple itself, Frost/Nixon, even Green Book if you squint hard enough. What makes The Two Popes different isn’t the setup—it’s the setting.
The Vatican isn’t just a backdrop here; it’s the third character in the room, a gilded cage where the weight of two thousand years of doctrine presses down on every syllable.
Fernando Meirelles, the Brazilian director behind City of God, has never been one to shy away from institutional power. But where his earlier films throbbed with the chaos of the streets, The Two Popes is a chamber piece, a two-hander that unfolds almost entirely in dialogue. The camera glides through the Sistine Chapel like a tourist on a guided tour, lingering on Michelangelo’s frescoes as if to remind us that art, like faith, is both eternal and fragile.
The film’s most striking visual choice might be its simplest: the flashbacks to Jorge Bergoglio’s past in Argentina are rendered in stark black-and-white, as if memory itself has been drained of color. It’s a neat trick, one that underscores how the past isn’t just prologue here—it’s a ghost that won’t stop whispering.
The film’s beating heart, of course, is the relationship between Pope Benedict XVI (Anthony Hopkins) and the man who would succeed him, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce). Their dynamic is less theological debate than a slow-dance of mutual exasperation. Benedict, the cerebral German theologian, is all sharp edges and brittle formality.
Hopkins plays him like a man who’s spent a lifetime constructing a fortress of doctrine, only to find the walls crumbling from within. Pryce’s Bergoglio, by contrast, is warmth incarnate—his face a roadmap of wrinkles that deepen with every smile, every wince. The script gives them plenty of room to spar, but the real magic happens in the silences.
Audience Opinions
Audience 7.5/10
"A deeply moving and thought-provoking drama elevated by powerhouse performances from Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins."
Viewers praise the film for its emotional depth and the compelling dynamic between the two lead actors, who bring nuance and humanity to their roles as Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. latestnetflix.com's view is that the dialogue-driven narrative and historical themes resonate strongly, though some find the pacing slow and the focus on theological debates too dense for casual audiences.
What viewers praise
- Exceptional lead performances Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins deliver career-best performances, capturing the complexities and vulnerabilities of their characters.
- Emotionally resonant storytelling The film’s exploration of faith, doubt, and redemption strikes a chord with many, offering a deeply personal and introspective experience.
- Strong dialogue and chemistry The conversations between the two popes are witty, profound, and often humorous, making their ideological clashes engaging and relatable.
- Beautiful cinematography The film’s visuals, particularly the contrast between the grandeur of the Vatican and intimate character moments, are widely praised.
- Thought-provoking themes The movie sparks meaningful discussions about faith, tradition, and modernity, appealing to both religious and secular audiences.
Common complaints
- Slow pacing Some viewers find the film’s deliberate pace and heavy reliance on dialogue too slow, making it feel overly long.
- Dense theological content The focus on religious and philosophical debates may alienate those looking for a more accessible or fast-paced drama.
- Limited supporting cast impact While the leads shine, the supporting characters feel underdeveloped and don’t contribute much to the narrative.
- Predictable structure The film’s narrative arc follows a familiar trajectory, with few surprises for those familiar with the historical context.
Recommended for
Fans of historical dramas Lovers of character-driven films Those interested in religious themes Admirers of Anthony Hopkins Jonathan Pryce enthusiasts Slow-burn storytelling fans
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsBehind the Scenes of The Two Popes: Casting Secrets and Creative Choices
The Two Popes (2019), directed by Fernando Meirelles, is a Netflix drama that imagines the unlikely friendship between Pope Benedict XVI (Anthony Hopkins) and Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the future Pope Francis (Jonathan Pryce). latestnetflix.com's read is that the film blends humor, tension, and deep theological debate, but its most compelling story might be the one behind the camera—how two Oscar-nominated actors and a visionary director brought this high-stakes papal drama to life.
Why Jonathan Pryce Was the Only Choice for Pope Francis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjQ-8wSCSpI
Director Fernando Meirelles has been vocal about his casting process, particularly for the role of Pope Francis. In an interview, he revealed that Pryce was his first and only choice for the part . Meirelles praised Pryce’s ability to embody warmth, humility, and quiet intensity—qualities essential to capturing the essence of Pope Francis. The director also noted that Pryce’s physical resemblance to the real-life pontiff, down to his posture and mannerisms, made him the perfect fit .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXSeieiBKZk
Pryce himself has spoken about the challenges of playing a living figure, especially one as globally recognized as Pope Francis. In a Netflix interview, he admitted to studying hours of footage to nail the Argentine accent and the pope’s distinctive gestures, like his habit of clasping his hands behind his back . The actor’s dedication paid off—his performance earned widespread acclaim, including an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
Anthony Hopkins: The Reluctant Pope Benedict
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGHjcHilc1A
While Pryce was a lock for Pope Francis, Anthony Hopkins’ casting as Pope Benedict XVI came with its own intrigue. Hopkins, known for his chameleonic roles, initially hesitated to take on the part. In a joint interview with Pryce, he admitted that playing a real, living pope was daunting, but he was drawn to the script’s exploration of faith and doubt .
Hopkins’ portrayal of Benedict is a masterclass in restraint, capturing the pope’s intellectual rigor and internal conflict. The actor reportedly spent time studying Benedict’s speeches and writings to understand his theological perspective, though he avoided meeting the real pope to maintain creative distance . The result is a nuanced performance that humanizes a figure often seen as rigid and unapproachable.
The Soundtrack That Set the Tone
Beyond the performances, the film’s atmosphere owes much to its score. Composed by Bryce Dessner (of The National), the soundtrack blends classical and modern elements to mirror the film’s themes of tradition and change. Released on December 6, 2019, the score was praised for its emotional depth, particularly in scenes depicting the popes’ private conversations 
. Dessner’s music elevates the film’s intimate moments, making the theological debates feel personal rather than preachy.
A Film Born from Unlikely Friendship
The Two Popes isn’t just a historical drama—it’s a story about reconciliation. The film’s premise, based on real events, imagines a series of secret meetings between Benedict and Bergoglio before Benedict’s historic resignation in 2013. While the script takes creative liberties, the core dynamic—a conservative pope and a progressive cardinal finding common ground—resonated with audiences.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKN8Fu5EWyw
Meirelles has said that the film’s success hinged on the chemistry between Pryce and Hopkins, which was evident from the start. In behind-the-scenes interviews, the two actors joked about their shared love of theater and how it influenced their approach to the roles . Their off-screen camaraderie translated into a believable on-screen friendship, making the film’s emotional beats land even harder.
The Verdict: A Rare Behind-the-Scenes Look
For a film about two of the most scrutinized figures in the world, The Two Popes offers a surprisingly intimate glimpse into its own creation. From Pryce’s meticulous preparation to Hopkins’ reluctant embrace of the role, the behind-the-scenes story is almost as compelling as the one on screen. Add in a haunting score and a director who fought for authenticity, and it’s clear why this Netflix drama stood out in 2019.
While the evidence doesn’t reveal every detail—like budget struggles or on-set conflicts—the available sources paint a picture of a production driven by respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to telling a story about faith, doubt, and the power of dialogue.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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