Do you remember how Pope Benedict XVI never actually died? He just retired, something no other Pope had done since Celestine V, in 1294. Benedict’s resignation prompted a brand new election in the Vatican, after which Catholics around the world got a completely different Pope, Francis. In The Two Popes, Netflix explores how drastically different both of their personalities were and even hints at a rivalry between the two.
The film has been described as an “intimate account of one of the most dramatic power transitions of recent centuries,” and it will be directed by Oscar-nominated Fernando Meirelles, best known for his Brazilian film City of God, and Anthony McCarten, the three-time Oscar-nominated screenwriter.
In 2012, frustrated by the direction the institution had taken and in disagreement with some decisions, Cardinal Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce) asked Pope Benedict XVI (Anthony Hopkins) for permission to retire. Rather than grant him the retirement, Benedict summoned the cardinal, who was his harshest critic back then, to discuss important matters like tradition and progress, guilt and forgiveness. “You know the hardest thing is to listen. To hear his voice. God’s voice,” Pope Benedict says in the trailer. “You know there’s a saying. God always corrects one Pope by presenting the world with another Pope. I’d like to see my correction.”
Netflix will release The Two Popes in select theaters on November 27th in the US, on November 29th in the UK, and on December 20th on Netflix. Following the critically acclaimed Roma, the streaming giant upped their strategy with releases like “The Laundromat,” “Dolemite Is My Name,” “The King,” “Earthquake Bird,” “Marriage Story,” “Klaus,” “I Lost My Body,” and “Atlantics,” strongly hinting that they want it all with regards to awards.
Also, ever wondered what Popes do in their free time? They talk about The Beatles and watch Argentinian soccer matches. Go figure.
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