We Have a Pope (PG)

Drama

A story centered on the relationship between the newly elected Pope and his therapist.

The critical consensus

An attractively shot, designed and costumed film, We Have a Pope, despite its light-hearted touches, presents a surprisingly pessimistic vision of an individual’s place within a system, although Moretti’s downbeat resolution – scored to Arvo Part’s powerful ‘Miserere’ – movingly conveys the dignity in a principled man’s refusal to conform.

(*) Tom Dawson, The List, 09/11/2011

Rather than shoot fish in a barrel, Moretti fashions a subtle, clear-eyed character study, with a lovely, layered turn from Piccoli.

(*) Andrew Lowry, Total Film, 23/11/2011

This is wildly different from anything else on offer at the moment, moving and gently amusing.

(*) Alison Rowat, The Herald, 01/12/2011

Whether you’re an atheist or Opus Dei disciple, We Have a Pope is playful, unpretentious fun. But it’s the sparse dramatic moments that linger.

Adam Woodward, Little White Lies, 01/12/2011

Director Nanni Moretti brings a surprisingly light touch to what could have been a heavy-going drama, as the comical possibilities of an unprecedented situation that no one knows how to handle are explored.

Paul Greenwood, Evening Times, 01/12/2011

I waited for the film to get funny, or touching, or pointful. It didn't.

(*) (*) (*) Nigel Andrews, Financial Times, 01/12/2011

Frivolous and farcical fun follows – but not much more.

(*) (*) Alistair Harkness, The Scotsman, 02/12/2011

A wasted opportunity.

(*) (*) (*) Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian, 01/12/2011

As satire it feels about as edgy as a mozzarella sword.

Anthony Quinn, The Independent, 02/12/2011

A mild-mannered satire, We Have A Pope meanders through some amusing situations but it is the subtle performance of Michel Piccoli that lends some substance to this slight, shaggy dog story.

(*) (*) Allan Hunter, Daily Express, 02/12/2011

Deeply disappointing.

Philip French, The Observer, 04/12/2011