"The Two Popes" Review - In Conversation With Religion

On this Christmas Eve, it’s hard to think in these divisive times, there now is a hard line even between what is defined as christian. But even in these hard moments of history, there is always room for friendship to cross hard boundaries. There enters “The Two Popes”, which is now streaming on Netflix and is getting majorly well deserved Oscar buzz ahead of it’s Golden Globe recognition.

This soft but effective film is not necessarily ground-breaking in terms of technical details. It might not even be a fully true story. But it basically is an extremely well written long conversation between Pope Benedict and soon to be Pope Francis, played by the majestic Anthony Hopkins and highly underrated Jonathan Pryce respectively. It’s a conversation that is described as what most likely would’ve been based on both Pope’s writings. It explores the types of divisive Christianity paths both Popes have taken while also exploring a bit of each of their lives from the dark wars on religion in Argentina to the sex scandal that rocked the Vatican this decade. If this were a movie just exploring religion, I probably would hate it, but I think what makes “The Two Popes” so likable is that the script explores the core of their friendship. Both had different religious journeys and both are not perfect human beings, but they shared similarities and accepted one another so lovingly that it’s hard to walk away from watching. Unlike Green Book last year, there’s no race or white savior issues that will turn you off. It’s simply about two different people with fascinating histories coming together and unknowingly planning what would be a passing of the torch.

With all the history and heart along with the absolutely perfect performances, this film is a deeply heartwarming piece of work that will give you nothing less than an enjoyable evening from the comfort of your own bedroom. It will put the themes of peace and love in an entirely new light, especially if you’re watching on Christmas.

Two Nebs Up!