Supernova: Film Review
Prepare to have your heart broken by Stanley Tucci and Colin Firth in Harry Macqueen‘s moving drama Supernova.
The film follows British pianist Sam (Firth) and American author Tusker (Tucci), who have been partners for more than 20 years, as they go on a trip in an RV to visit family, friends, and places meaningful to them before Tusker’s dementia battle progresses and he is unable to remember them.
I absolutely love Tucci and Firth as individuals and in this pairing. I loved their characters’ relationship and I thought they worked so well together. I enjoyed watching their playful bickering in the beginning and was deeply invested in their very serious conversations nearer the end. Some scenes were very well written and satisfying to watch, but with others, I wanted more.
Tucci and Firth both gave very emotionally charged, moving performances and I was very impressed by their tender work, although it’s worth pointing out that Supernova can be quite funny too, with Tusker often using humour to deflect from the seriousness of his degenerative illness. Tucci has the more demanding role as he has to visibly manifest the physical symptoms of dementia but he does this in a subtle and convincing way.
Given the material, I’m surprised I didn’t bawl my eyes out watching Supernova. I was moved and felt sad about it but it didn’t get me really good. I think it’s because the ending was a bit too subtle and delicate.
Supernova, which is basically an LGBTQ+ and British spin on The Leisure Seeker (if we’re being reductive), is a poignant love story featuring strong performances and some beautiful cinematography. I actually want to see it again!
Seen as part of the London Film Festival. In cinemas Friday 25th June