Netflix’s ‘The Two Popes’ is driven by the crackling, unusual chemistry between Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce
On a day when movies like ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Cats’ hit the theaters, one might find a new Netflix original almost secondary on their watch-list. But then, if you somehow manage to bypass the hype of the ‘big productions’ and catch this whimsical, quirky, yet thought provoking story of two very powerful names (albeit fictional) of the Vatican, then yes, it is totally worth the time and effort.
If one has to define what exactly the movie is about, it is nothing more than a few words. When Pope Benedict resigned and Pope Francis was appointed, a lot of inside information came out of the Vatican and became public knowledge.
Netflix’s ‘The Two Popes’ is nothing but a fictional take on the real life events, albeit with a touch of humor and drama. This is pretty much the premise of the movie, as it holds.
But for two minutes, let’s not see this as a representation of facts or even consider them to be ‘popes’. Let’s just say there are two men, both men of god, one more experienced and at a more powerful position, more staunch in his belief, while the other, much simpler in his belief system, more practical and rational, and yet rooted in his faith.
When two such men meet, there is bound to be many points of disagreement, the only common factor being their faith. The two popes in question never see eye to eye, and yet, they have found a strange, unsaid chemistry that not only drives the movie forward but also their relationship ahead in the story.
Keeping the facts, fiction, events, and authenticity of information shared, aside, let’s talk about the movie per se. For one, it is directed beautifully, not to mention the excellent camera work with the little aesthetic nuances. This is something that one might overlook, only because the script is so strong, without making it too overwhelming.
The tonality and texture of the story is sensitive yet humorous and light to take in. One of the best things that we can say we definitely root for in ‘The Two Popes’ is its simplicity with which one of the most powerful bodies of the world has been portrayed. And how can we forget the terrific performances by two incredible veteran actors like Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce.
To summarize, ‘The Two Popes’ is serious yet funny, modest yet bold, and one of a kind thoughtful movie that you often don’t get to see, not at least in the same package. So, if the big banner productions have not yet clouded your judgment or going to take up your Friday night, then this Netflix production is something that ought to be on your weekend watch-list.