Is The Two Popes Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Two Popes is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 125 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Two Popes Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2019, The Two Popes emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, History domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Frustrated with the direction of the church, Cardinal Bergoglio requests permission to retire in 2012 from Pope Benedict. Unlike standard genre fare, The Two Popes attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Two Popes features a noteworthy lineup led by Jonathan Pryce . Supported by the likes of Anthony Hopkins and Juan Minujín , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Two Popes (2019) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.5/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
The Two Popes Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Two Popes is a Drama, History film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. 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. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The protagonist undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Thematic Depth
The film delves into universal human experiences—love, loss, identity, and belonging. It holds up a mirror to society, asking difficult questions about morality, choice, and consequence.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Exceptional storytelling that balances entertainment with substance
- Strong performances that bring depth to the characters
- Technical excellence in cinematography, editing, and sound design
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Minor pacing issues that do not significantly detract from the experience
- A few underdeveloped subplots
The Two Popes Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Two Popes resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of The Two Popes demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Two Popes Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Two Popes draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: The Two Popes successfully translates real events into compelling cinema. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Two Popes?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
The Two Popes Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $232.6K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
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Full Cast & Crew of The Two Popes
- Jonathan Pryce – Jorge Bergoglio / Pope Francis
- Anthony Hopkins – Joseph Ratzinger / Pope Benedict XVI
- Juan Minujín – Young Jorge Bergoglio
- Luis Gnecco – Cardinal Hummes
- Cristina Banegas – Lisabetta
Top Highlights
Jonathan PryceJorge Bergoglio / Pope Francis
Anthony HopkinsJoseph Ratzinger / Pope Benedict XVI
Juan MinujínYoung Jorge Bergoglio
Luis GneccoCardinal Hummes
Cristina BanegasLisabetta
María UcedoEsther Ballestrine
Renato ScarpaCamerlengo
Sidney ColeCardinal Turkson
Achille BrugniniCardinal Martini
Federico TorreProtodeacon Estevez
Where to Watch The Two Popes Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
NetflixParents Guide & Age Rating
The Two Popes is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.5/10, and global collection metrics, The Two Popes stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2019 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Two Popes movie hit or flop?
The Two Popes is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.5/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, History movies.
Is The Two Popes worth watching?
Yes, The Two Popes is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, History cinema.
Where can I watch The Two Popes online?
The Two Popes is currently available for streaming on Netflix. You can also check for it on platforms like Netflix depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for The Two Popes
Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce deliver two award-worthy performances, elevating a surprisingly humorous story about religion. Not a fan of the editing and the film goes on for a bit too long. Rating: B
This is quite a clever piece of work. Both performances demonstrate a complex, sometimes conflicted, humanity in a touching and thought-provoking way. Hopkins, as the scholarly Benedict XVI coming to realise that he no longer feels capable - for various reasons - to remain Pontiff and Pryce as Cardinal Bergoglio with whom he has little in common, and who has come to Rome to seek his permission to retire. The story focuses more on the trials and tribulations of Bergoglio as he rises to prominence in the Jesuit order and navigates the political turmoil of Argentina in the 70s and 80s where he develops a much less "conservative" approach to the issues facing the Catholic Church than his Pope. By the conclusion, however, both men appear reconciled to the honesty and integrity of the other. The extent to which the detail is true is anyone's guess - but by using humour, sport and even ABBA, this proves to be an intimate observational film that is certainly one of Netflix' better commissions.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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