A rank outsider is elected by the Conclave as the new Pope. Taken unawares, the cardinal struggles to believe in himself with such responsibility.
At the death of the Pope, the Roman Catholic Conclave meet in the Vatican to elect a replacement. Cardinal Gregori (Renato Scarpa) is a clear favourite with the world media. But following extended voting, it’s neck and neck in a three horse race. A compromise is reached with outsider Michel Piccoli elected. With the world awaiting the announcement, il papa takes to his rooms and then slips away, reflecting on the position and his own capabilities.
An engaging, dialogue-based narrative of a single soul in crisis wandering the streets of Rome whilst his colleagues, unaware he has left the building, along with the rest of the world bide their time waiting.
Rating: 69%
Director: Nanni Moretti (Mia madre, The Son’s Room)
Writer: Nanni Moretti (Mia Madre, The Son’s Room), Francesco Piccolo (Human Capital, The Traitor), Federica Pontremoli (A Magnificent Haunting, The Caiman)
Main cast: Michel Piccoli (Belle de jour, Une étrange affaire), Nanni Moretti (Mia madre, The Son’s Room), Renato Scarpa (Don’t Look Now, Mia madre)
An Opinion or Two 