(may contain spoilers)
Douban rating: 7.5
Director: Edward Berger
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow
Douban Comments: “Using the concept of a church election to satirize global politics is executed remarkably well. The balance between sharp dialogue and symbolic expression is also impressive. The line ‘Certainty is the great enemy of unity. Certainty is the deadly enemy of tolerance……‘ is particularly brilliant – it frames the dangers of a binary, black-and-white society in a completely apolitical way, highlighting how people find both pleasure and downfall in such simplistic thinking.
The third-act twist is both unexpected and entirely logical, delivering a striking conclusion. When the window (literally) is thrown open and the truth is laid bare, all the armchair strategists and power players finally confront the real, urgent issues – shifting their focus back to faith rather than just the institution of the Church. In doing so, the Vatican comes to represent not the past but the future (perhaps even too forward-thinking).”
“On the surface, it is a polished yet hollow political spectacle dominated by elderly white men scheming for power, the paradoxical ending – both exploitative and empowering – adds an unexpected layer of depth. On one hand, the shocking final twist uses the experience of gender and queerness as a narrative device, framing it as a spectacle to be consumed. Yet on the other, the film takes an overtly celebratory stance toward the defiant intersex figure who ultimately claims the papacy, presenting it as a triumphant victory against Catholic tradition.
Though Benítez, in a supporting role, remains underdeveloped, and the accumulation of certain stereotypes risks veering into mainstream tokenism, the film’s imperfect representation still carries an undeniable resonance. Even with its flaws, it contributes to a broader progressive call for change – one that lingers beyond the screen.”
“The first two-thirds felt like a typical award-season film; strong visuals as usual from the director, and the music was good but a bit overwhelming. However, the ending really sets it apart from all the other movies about the Roman Catholic Church. It’s so over-the-top that I bet the old folks watching it would be totally confused. Ralph Fiennes gave his usual solid performance.”
“3.5 stars. It’s like the Vatican’s take on the U.S. election. It’s a power struggle film about the secretive election of the pope, with all the flashy visuals and sound design, but the plot moves too quickly and superficially. The intense battles of smearing and backstabbing escalate through a series of absurd twists, and when the final twist hits, it’s a total WTF moment.
But strangely enough, it’s kind of enjoyable because it’s so ridiculous.”
“The screenplay is very well-structured, and the audiovisual production is excellent – definitely worthy of a high score. That said, with so many characters, the main ones could have been more fully developed. Still, this kind of film is exactly my cup of tea.”
“Though the script tries to be clever with its obvious and somewhat forced twists, the core message is actually quite strong. The plot, while clearly unrealistic, feels like a direct slap in the face to today’s Vatican. The final reveal about the pope’s identity challenges the very authority of the papacy itself – as if trying to blow open a crack in the dark, sealed-off Sistine Chapel and let in a little light, a breath of fresh air, a touch of real life for an institution on the verge of decay.
In the end, when Fiennes opens the window and looks out, perhaps what he sees is an entirely new world.
The performances and cinematography are both excellent. The only downside is that the script at times feels like a primetime soap opera set in the Vatican.”
