Running on Empty

"The Popes" tells a story of an unconventional family living under the constant shadow of persecution. For years, they have been unable to embrace their true identities as their parents were implicated in a daring act against the government's Vietnam war campaign – torching a weapons lab in the late sixties. Since then, the Popes have become fugitives, leading a life of constant evasion and hiding from the relentless authorities.Their carefully crafted world begins to unravel when their eldest son falls deeply in love with a girl who challenges the family's long-standing beliefs. Unwilling to let his life be dictated by fear or the past, he defiantly announces his desire to forge his own path. This decision puts not only the boy's future but also the entire family's survival at risk as they face a stark choice between protecting their loved ones and staying true to their principles.The movie explores themes of love, identity, and loyalty, set against the backdrop of a tumultuous time in history. It delves into how far one would go to protect their family and whether the need for freedom can ever truly triumph over the weight of one's past actions.