The Two Popes Review: A well-written drama lifted by superb acting

Story: At a key turning point for the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI forms a surprising friendship with the future Pope Francis. Inspired by true events. Review: The Two Popes is a film that tells the story behind the real-life controversial incident of Pope Benedict XVI renouncing his title. The film does so in an atypically light and intimate manner. It opens with Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (Anthony Hopkins) becoming Pope Benedict XVI and also introduces us to Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce), his rival, critic and later, successor. The viewer is shown just how different the two are quite clearly by contrasting Benedict’s ambition and conservatism with Bergoglio’s austere lifestyle and reformative stand. The two do not see eye to eye, which is why it is surprising when seven years later, Pope Benedict XVI calls on Cardinal Bergoglio to discuss something of importance. This lays the ground for an unlikely bond that develops into a friendship and drives the film forward. Fernando Meirelles’ direction is steady. In an interesting choice, he shot Bergoglio’s flashback scenes from 1956 not just in black and white but also in the old 4:3 aspect ratio that films of that era used. The rest of the film uses a widescreen aspect ratio, making the contrast in time periods much more evident. But what makes The Two Popes stand out is its writing. Almost every line spoken by the two lead actors can be plucked out from the script, and posted on the Internet as the quote for the day. It’s witty, smart, and at times profound, but never too dramatic. Anthony McCarten, on whose book the film is based and who wrote the screenplay, deserves credit for that. The two lead actors – Hopkins and Pryce – have delivered masterclasses in acting. Hopkins is already regarded as one of the finest actors of our times and he further solidifies that reputation. Pryce brings the talent that has earned him laurels in theatre and delivers arguably his best performance in films. In the scenes when they are together on screen, it is refreshing to see two actors complement, rather than compete with each other. The only criticism one can have of The Two Popes is that like several biopics, the film tends to be kinder to its subjects than history has been. Nobody is perfect, not even popes. The two in question are seen as divisive figures. The film attempts to delve into the faults and weaknesses of the two popes but each time, almost immediately finds a justification and pardons them quickly. The Two Popes’ greatest feat is achieving a delicate balance while giving a light, heartfelt, and occasionally humorous take on grave and serious matters. It may be a film detailing the controversies surrounding the Catholic Church but it also depicts the pope and his successor discussing the Beatles, watching football over beer, and even attempting a tango in the Vatican. Surprisingly, the film pulls it all off quite beautifully. Never do the jokes or banter seem offensive, frivolous or unrealistic. Also, never do the two popes’ views on religion and society get preachy. That balance is what makes the film engaging.