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“The Two Popes” is a thought-provoking and intimate exploration of the relationship between Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, delving into their contrasting ideologies, personal struggles, and the power of forgiveness.
Find out where to watch “The Two Popes” and understand the power of dialogue in bridging differences as well as the human side of two influential figures within the Catholic Church.
Table of Contents
What is The Two Popes About?
“The Two Popes” is based on actual events and takes a fictionalized approach to depict the conversations and interactions between the two religious leaders. The story unfolds during a significant period in the history of the Catholic Church, marked by Pope Benedict’s decision to resign, becoming the first pope to do so in nearly 600 years. Cardinal Bergoglio (later on Pope Francis), who is known for his more progressive views, discusses with Pope Benedict at the latter’s summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.
The film explores the clash of contrasting ideologies and both men’s personal struggles. It delves into their backgrounds, differing approaches to faith and leadership, and shared concerns for the future of the Catholic Church. Through their conversations, the film explores themes of faith, forgiveness, and the complex nature of power.
It first streamed on Netflix in December 2019.
Who is in the cast of The Two Popes?
Brazilian director Fernando Meirelles and New Zealand-born writer Anthony McCarten created “The Two Popes.” Meirelles is known for his work on films such as “City of God” and “The Constant Gardener.” McCarten has worked on projects with American themes and settings, such as “The Theory of Everything” and “Darkest Hour.” Here’s the list of cast members of “The Two Popes”:
- Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict XVI
- Jonathan Pryce as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio/Pope Francis
- Juan Minujín as Young Jorge Mario Bergoglio
- Sidney Cole as Cardinal Peter Turkson
- Thomas D. Williams as Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor
- Federico Torre as Archbishop Emeritus of Buenos Aires
- Pablo Trimarchi as Bishop Adriano Bernardini
- María Ucedo as Esther Ballestrine
- Renato Scarpa as Cardinal Sebastian
- Achille Brugnini as Cardinal Jorge María Mejía
What is the Rating of The Two Popes?
“The Two Popes” is rated PG-13 in Canada, which means parents should strongly caution their children from watching the movie since some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
How Many People Watch The Two Popes?
“The Two Popes” gained significant popularity on Netflix upon its release. The film garnered positive reviews from critics and audiences and generated considerable buzz and discussion.
How Are The Reviews For The Two Popes?
Critics’ reception of “The Two Popes” is generally positive. Critics praised the performances, particularly the portrayals of Pope Benedict XVI by Anthony Hopkins and Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio/Pope Francis by Jonathan Pryce; critics lauded the chemistry and nuanced performances of the two. The film scored 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75/100 on Metacritic, and 7.6/10 on IMDb. See what critics say about “The Two Popes”:
- “The Two Popes is a buddy movie, a comedy of religious and political manners, a cautionary tale and a passionate argument. It is also an argument for passion—a reminder that belief, at its most idealistic and dogmatic, can fuel great change,” says Scott from The New York Times.
- “The Two Popes is a film of ideas and arguments, but it is also a film of palpable pleasure, with exquisite writing and performances that find depth and nuance within the ideological conflict at its heart,” says Ann Hornaday from The Washington Post.
Where To Watch The Two Popes in Canada?
Netflix
“The Two Popes” is exclusively available on Netflix. To watch the show on the platform, sign up for an account and avail of any of the following subscription plans of your choice:
| Plan | Price | Number Of Simultaneous Screens | Streaming quality |
| Basic with ads | CAD$5.99 | 1 device | SD |
| Basic | CAD$9.99 | 1 device | HD |
| Standard | CAD$16.49 | 2 devices | HD |
| Premium | CAD$20.99 | 4 devices | Ultra HD |
With a Netflix subscription, you can stream series and movies on various devices, including smartphones, smart TVs, PCs, laptops, tablets, game consoles, and web players like Chromecast and Roku. You can also download Netflix’s content to your device for when you want to stream offline.
You can also watch other Netflix original documentaries, such as “The Keepers” and “The Devil Next Door,” available to stream in Canada.
Is The Two Popes Available for Rent (VOD)?
“The Two Popes” is not available on any video-on-demand services in Canada.
Is The Two Popes Available on Cable or Free TV?
“The Two Popes” does not air on cable channels or free-to-air televisions in Canada.
Should I Use a VPN to Watch The Two Popes?
There is no need to use a VPN service since “The Two Popes” is readily available on Netflix Canada.
Importance of Open Dialogues
“The Two Popes” underscores the importance of open dialogue and understanding in bridging differences. It shows how respectful conversations can lead to greater understanding, empathy, and even friendship, despite divergent viewpoints. Thus, humanizing these topics encourages viewers to reflect on their faith journeys.
You can watch “The Two Popes” on Netflix Canada.
