We Have a Pope
We Have a Pope

Movie spotlight

We Have a Pope

2011
Movie
105 min
Italian

The newly elected Pope suffers a panic attack just as he is about to greet the faithful who have gathered to see him. His advisors, unable to convince him he is the right man for the job, call on a renowned therapist who also happens to be an atheist. But the Pope's fear of his newfound responsibility is one he must face alone. Winner Best Film at the Italian Golden Globes.

Insights

IMDb6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes74%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users76%
Director: Nanni MorettiGenres: Comedy-Drama

Plot Summary

When the College of Cardinals unexpectedly elects a new Pope, the cardinals find themselves in a state of collective anxiety. Before he can officially address the world, the new Pope experiences a profound psychological crisis, rendering him unable to fulfill his duties. The cardinals, desperate and in denial, attempt to hide the situation from the public, hiring a psychoanalyst to help the Pope overcome his paralysis.

Critical Reception

We Have a Pope received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its unique premise, Moretti's direction, and the performances, particularly Michel Piccoli's. Some found the film's tone uneven, shifting between lighthearted comedy and deeper existential themes, but overall it was seen as a thoughtful and original exploration of faith, doubt, and the weight of responsibility.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its charmingly melancholic and thoughtful exploration of faith and doubt.

  • Michel Piccoli delivers a standout performance as the conflicted Pope.

  • The film masterfully blends humor with existential introspection.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's unique concept and Moretti's distinctive directorial style. They found it to be a funny yet poignant examination of the pressures of leadership and the struggle with personal beliefs. Some viewers noted its slower pace, but the overall sentiment was positive, highlighting its originality and emotional depth.

Awards & Accolades

Selected to compete for the Palme d'Or at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Director Nanni Moretti, who also stars in the film as a psychoanalyst, initially conceived the idea for the film after the real-life resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013, though the film was released prior to this event, stemming from Moretti's long-standing interest in the papacy.

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