The New Pope

The New Pope is a captivating drama series from HBO that premiered in January 2020. This nine-episode Vatican-set series is a follow-up to the 2016 series titled "The Young Pope" - both created and directed by the renowned filmmaker, Paolo Sorrentino. The show continues the unconventional and often controversial narrative introduced in The Young Pope, offering a stylish, complex, and thought-provoking perspective into the intricate and secretive workings of the contemporary Vatican.

While The New Pope maintains many characters from its predecessor, it shines the spotlight on John Malkovich's character, Sir John Brannox, who assumes the primary leadership role in this series. Brannox is elevated to the highest religious position following the sudden ailments of the young and controversial Pope Pius XIII, played by Jude Law in the previous season.

Malkovich’s Pope, named Pope John Paul III, is a deeply complex character. His sophistication, vulnerability, and conflicted persona contribute to the underlying tension throughout the show. With his aristocratic bearing and brilliant mind, the new pontiff is both empathetic and distant, a beacon of spirituality, but battling his own demons. The character's nuanced performance sets the tone for much of the series, establishing the enigmatic atmosphere that pervades the Vatican.

The New Pope prioritizes exploration of faith, politics, power, and the complex nature of the human condition. It dives into a variety of subjects, from ideological disputes to the battle between tradition and modernity in the Church, personal sacrifice and public duty, and the constant push and pull between faith and rationality. With intelligent dialogue and intricate plot development, this series scores high on critical thinking and philosophical engagement.

Adding to the compelling narrative is the show’s distinct visual style. The series delights in unconventional, sometimes surreal imagery, interspersed with moments of divine revelation, and grounded by the raw realities of the church's administration. Sorrentino's signature style, including elaborately staged set pieces and a rich color palette, contribute to capturing the grandeur, mystery, and often the solitude that come with the territory of the papacy.

Much like The Young Pope, this series also doesn't shy away from showcasing the pope's life with an often dramatic flourish. From the fashion distinctive to the papacy – including the luxurious papal regalia – to the grandeur of the Vatican, the series is a visual delight.

While the narrative itself is thoroughly engrossing, the performances by the star-studded ensemble cast enhance the viewing experience. Jude Law’s performance in his recurring role is as mesmerizing as it was in the first show. Malkovich, with his unique charisma, adds an extra layer of complexity to the storyline. Additionally, the supporting cast, which includes Silvio Orlando, Cécile de France, and Javier Cámara, among others, give commendable performances that further enrich the narrative.

The series also showcases a stunning soundtrack that deftly balances liturgical choruses with contemporary music, enriching the aesthetic and narrative layers of the series. These sonic elements echo the show's overall blend of tradition and modernity.

The New Pope remains faithful to the core identity established by its predecessor, while at the same time, successfully instantiate a fresh narrative arc. It nudges its audience to ponder upon questions of faith, power, and love while providing insights into the human experience. The profound scriptwriting, compelling performances, and appealing visuals, combined with the subtle undercurrent of humor, maintain a delicate balance between profundity and entertainment. It's an engaging, thought-provoking series for viewers who enjoy tales of power, politics, and dilemmas of faith.