I recently had the chance to see the Netflix film Two Popes before it hits local shores and here are a couple reasons why I think it deserves at least two hours of your time.
Popes: they’re just like us!
SPOILER ALERT: Cardinals and Popes are humans too—and they love music. The film cleverly uses pop music to humanize these high-ranking church officials. If the songs of ABBA & The Beetles are your jam, you’re in for a treat.
Popes: they’re just like us! (Part 2)
ANOTHER SPOILER ALERT: Popes eat junk food. If we’re to believe Two Popes‘ depiction of these church leaders, they’ve got a not-so-healthy appetite for a good bottle of soda and a generous slice of pizza, just like us mere mortals.
It’s full of deep life lessons
Overly religious content can easily turn viewers off. Fact. But Two Popes gave color to the often mind-numbing discussion of life and faith. While watching, I suggest that you take note of the truths and life hacks Pope Francis (Jonathan Pryce) and Pope Benedict (Anthony Hopkins) are dropping in the film.
But it’s got plenty of light, funny moments as well
Make sure you catch the difference between a Jesuit joke and a German joke.
It’s full of wanderlust-inducing locations
The colorful houses and murals in Pope Francis’ hometown in Buenos Aires and the Apostolic Palace at Castel Gandolfo—the Papal summer residence in Rome—need no filter. We wouldn’t fault you for pausing at each of these scenes to think of the best OOTD for each.
It’ll remind you of the healing power of listening
Sometimes you just want someone to listen to you as you pour your heart out. Who do you usually talk to when life gets tough? I hope you have your “vent buddy” ready like Pope Francis and Pope Benedict.
And teach you about the golden rule of fame and leadership
Before he became Pope Francis, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio lived a life of service. He became popular for doing humble jobs as a religious leader—such as washing dishes and ministering to far-flung communities. As Cardinal Peter Turkson put it in the film, “The most important qualification of any leader is not wanting to be leader.”
Its storytelling is incredibly powerful
I would personally describe Two Popes as a documentary film, a social commentary, and a news feature rolled into one. Since it was inspired by true events, Director Fernando Meirelles had good mix of images to tell an important part of history. If you’re a huge documentary fan (like me) or just a film enthusiast, you wouldn’t want to miss this Netflix masterpiece.
‘Two Popes’ will be streaming on Netflix on December 20.
