Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Discussion

Movie Detail Monday: ‘The Two Popes’ Whistling ‘Dancing Queen’ by ABBA

Like almost everything seen or heard in a film, it certainly isn’t random.

The Two Popes Whistling ABBA
The Two Popes Whistling ABBA

Netflix’s “The Two Popes” landed on my Top 10 list last year and definitely exists as an under-the-radar gem. Sure, it may not necessarily be underappreciated, or under-anything in people’s opinion given that it did receive 3 Oscar nominations, but take a poll of your 10 closest confidants and the odds are that almost none of them have seen it.

There’s one playful scene towards the beginning of the movie in which Jonathan Pryce, who plays the eventual Pope Francis, is in the bathroom whistling “Dancing Queen” by ABBA while washing his hands next to Anthony Hopkins, who plays the eventual Pope Benedict.

The purpose of the interaction is fairly obvious, portraying Francis as being a bit more hip and whimsical compared to the straight-laced Benedict, who only knows classical music. Benedict even goes so far as to ask Francis what hymn he his whistling despite it being a well-known pop song.

Some viewers—like myself—may then be left wondering, “but why ABBA?” Well, like almost everything seen or heard in a film, it certainly isn’t random. “Abba,” it turns out, is Aramaic for “father,” which can be referencing either the pope or God, depending on the context. Neat!

Be sure to check out the scene below while praying for cinemas to open as expeditiously as possible.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

More Articles

News

Charlie Cox’s appearance in “Spiderman: No Way Home” was the first in what is quickly becoming a trend in the MCU. With Cox’s Daredevil...

Discussion

In honor of the legendarily awesome Mel Brooks, you better believe we’re going to dedicate this Movie Detail Monday to the greatest comedic filmmaker...

Discussion

You’ve probably watched the ultimate Christmas movie, “A Christmas Story,” a million times over the years and never caught this fun little detail. Check...