SUPERNOVA REVIEW

 *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci are two of the most talented actors working today, with the former earning his first Oscar at the 83rd Academy Awards for his portrayal of King George VI in The King’s Speech, and the latter being one of the most versatile actors and appearing in films such as The Devil Wears Prada, Easy A, Spotlight and big blockbuster films such as Captain America: The First Avenger and The Hunger Games. When it was announced that Firth and Tucci were appearing in a drama, named Supernova, together, I soon became interested in seeing it. 

The premise focuses on a couple, Sam (Firth) and Tusker (Tucci) travelling in a RV across England visiting friends, family and places from their past. 

While Supernova sounds like a lighthearted film, it’s far from it as Tusker was diagnosed with early on-set dementia two years ago. Dementia is a horrible disease that causes long-term and often gradual decrease in the ability to think and remember that is severe enough to affect daily functioning. The care and understanding that has gone into making Supernova is clear. Director Harry Macqueen establishes himself as a talented filmmaker and, with Supernova, he has created one of the year’s most moving and heartbreaking films. 
A lot of films that focus on a main character’s health declining feel sentimental and manipulative. That’s not the case with Supernova. Its story progresses naturally with Macqueen taking his time to establish the main characters and what they’re going through. Those who know someone with dementia will resonate with the main characters in Supernova, however, it is tough to watch at times, especially towards the end. 
Undoubtedly, the strongest aspect of Supernova are the passionate performances delivered by both Firth and Tucci, who share chemistry and are convincing as a married couple whose relationship is impacted by dementia. While Sam doesn’t want to lose Tusker, the latter knows his health is only going to get worse and doesn’t want to live a life where he doesn’t recognise Sam. This is where the moral conflict arises. Is it fair to force someone you love to live a life where their health is deteriorating simply because you can’t be without them? Or would it be better to let them die peacefully before their health gets worse? It’s a heartbreaking position no one should have to be in.

I first watched Supernova at last year’s London Film Festival in October and I found it to be an incredibly moving feature. At the time, I thought that both Firth and Tucci and Supernova could be nominated at this year’s Academy Awards. Unfortunately, it was overlooked, however, that doesn’t take away how good Supernova is. Because of its serious subject, many people may not want to watch a film that focuses on a character’s health deteriorating, especially following the release of the Oscar-winning The Father, which also focused on the main character suffering from dementia. However, I’d say that Supernova is easier to watch as it focuses more on the relationship between Sam and Tusker, rather than the latter’s deteriorating  health. There are some heartwarming scenes, including when the couple attend a party with their family and friends. What I liked about Supernova was its handling of the main character’s sexuality. It’s hard to believe that it’s rare for a film, like Supernova, to feature a same sex couple as the main characters. What’s refreshing about Sam and Tusker was that they weren’t described as homosexuals but rather two human beings who are deeply in love. Too many homosexual characters are stereotyped as camp, I’m glad that wasn’t the case with Sam and Tusker.

With Supernova being a road trip film, there are many beautiful landscape shots with breathtaking cinematography by Dick Pope. There were many times throughout the film where I wanted to escape in a RV and travel across the countryside. 


Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci each deliver their most passionate and heartfelt performances in Supernova, a film that will both warm and break your heart.

8/10