A new movie thriller tracing the path to sainthood of Polish Pope John Paul II will star critically acclaimed Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo.
The film entitled “Santo Subito!” by French director Bertrand Bonello is billed as a tale of spiritual reckoning. The title, an Italian phrase translating as ‘sainthood now!’, is a reference to appeals by the faithful following the late pontiff’s passing.
Ruffalo, who has landed a total of four Academy Award nominations, will play a priest tasked with investigating the Polish pope’s life as part of his beatification process.
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Set immediately after John Paul II’s death on April 2, 2005, the film focuses on U.S.-born priest Father Joseph Murolo, cast by the Vatican as a ‘devil’s advocate’ to find arguments against the late pope’s sainthood.
“Santo Subito!” co-producer and sales executive Nicolas Brigaud-Robert described the film as “spiritually immersive,” according to Variety.
“The film offers a genuine behind-the-scenes investigation of the Vatican world, while also taking us into the deeper realm of faith and values,” the magazine quoted him as saying. “The script itself is a page-turner, and I can’t imagine any audience remaining indifferent to Father Murolo’s journey.”
Brigaud-Robert added that Ruffalo would “bring the character the depth and intensity it deserves.”
The international co-production will involve Polish studio Madants and will be shot on location in Poland and Italy, with filming scheduled to start on March 9.
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