Watch The New Pope

The New Pope is a visually stunning and emotionally charged series that serves as a continuation of the widely popular show, The Young Pope. The showstars Jude Law as Pope Pius XIII, the mysterious and charismatic leader of the Catholic Church who has gone into a coma, setting the stage for a successor to take his place. Enter John Malkovich as Sir John Brannox, a mild-mannered aristocrat who has given up his secular life to lead the Church. The two polar opposite characters make for an intriguing dynamic as they navigate the complex political and personal circumstances of the Vatican.

The show is a masterclass in storytelling and visual storytelling, which is evident from the opening sequence itself. We are introduced to the Vatican through a drone shot that takes us through the heart of the city, showcasing the grandeur and majesty of the architecture. The art direction and cinematography are absolutely breathtaking, using lighting and shadows to bring out the nuances of the characters and their surroundings. The show is a visual feast that is sure to delight anyone who appreciates art and design.

The themes explored in the show are varied and profound. The show examines the concept of faith, both from a religious and secular perspective. It looks at the struggle between individual faith and institutional faith and how the two can be at odds with each other. It explores the hypocrisy and corruption within organized religion and how that can affect the faith of the people who believe in it. It looks at the complexities of human relationships and how they are impacted by power dynamics.

One of the strongest aspects of the show is the remarkable performances from the cast. Jude Law is absolutely mesmerizing as Pope Pius XIII, a character who is both enigmatic and vulnerable. He imbues the character with a sense of danger and unpredictability that makes him hard to read. John Malkovich is equally impressive as Sir John Brannox, bringing a sense of gravitas and vulnerability to the character. The chemistry between the two actors is electric, making for some of the series' most memorable moments.

The supporting cast is just as impressive, with standout performances from Silvio Orlando as Cardinal Angelo Voiello, the power-hungry head of the Vatican's inner circle. Cécile de France as Sofia Dubois, an old friend of Pius XIII who threatens to expose his secrets. And Ludivine Sagnier as Esther, a Swiss Guard member who gets caught up in the political machinations of the Vatican. Each character is given their moment to shine and is fleshed out in a way that makes them feel real.

The New Pope is not without its flaws, however. The show has a tendency to veer into melodrama at times, with some plot points feeling contrived or overly convenient. The show also has a habit of introducing characters and plot threads that never quite pay off, leaving the viewer with a sense of dissatisfaction. That being said, these flaws do not detract from the overall quality of the show or its ability to engage and captivate the viewer.

In conclusion, The New Pope is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates great storytelling, stunning visuals, and exceptional performances. It is a show that will challenge your preconceptions about religion and faith while also engaging you on an emotional level. It is a show that is both thought-provoking and entertaining, and one that should be on everyone's watchlist.

The New Pope is a series that ran for 1 seasons (9 episodes) between January 14, 2020 and on HBO