In Supernova, Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci star as Sam and Tusker, respectively, and they are a gay couple in a long term relationship hitting the most gut-wrenching, yet inspiring part of that journey. Tusker has dementia and how long he has left and what quality of life it will entail, is sadly well known at this point—all while things appear to be going swimmingly.
Written and directed by Harry Macqueen (Me and Orson Wells), the film is the most endearing celebration of love in its purest form. Although we know exactly where fate is leading these two, witnessing Sam and Tusker together is a lesson in relationship manna. As played by Tucci and Firth, we are all in—every tender moment, each life-changing challenge and collective time with friends they visit along the way. It is such blissful joy to experience on every level, even if there are moments of supreme despair and lashes of utter frustration.
Sam and Tusker travel across England in their old RV as they visit friends, family, and places from their past. Tusker’s dementia diagnosis is two years prior, and they keenly know these are the moments to most treasure because they are winding down. Yet, like an anvil hanging over one’s head, there is something that is ever-present. Yet Macqueen never remotely comes close to drowning us in sorrow. In fact, the Supernova effect is one of awe and wonder at a pair of humans who found true love in a sea of folks who aren’t so lucky.
There are discoveries along the way that are shocking to both men, and how each handles them not only shows off the thespian talents of each actor but also the wizardry of the writing of Macqueen. Knowing that one is going to die and realizing that the other will descend into an abyss of loneliness, one that will be one filled with empty confusion, frustration, and a whirlpool of deep-seated resentment with the world for this even occurring.
Tusker, on the other hand, is seemingly OK currently. Yet, he keenly is aware that his quality of life will soon be next to zero. Confusion and vast swaths of lost memories are already starting to be the norm. To those who adore these two, his outward physical appearance paints a much rosier picture. Tucci, without saying much of anything, conveys something intangible that is brilliant. He knows that any day now, quality of life will fail to exist.
Sure, these discussions come up throughout, and it is some of the most heart-wrenching moments in all of Supernova. But I cannot stress enough, that this is not a glass-half-empty story. This film is as much as a glass half full tale as one could pen.
It’s as real of a human spirit story as one can make in 2020. Witnessing these two, one is overcome with the kind of love that is once in a lifetime. That is what makes what is going on with Tusker so tragic. He has embraced his fate, but Sam, let’s just say he’s having a difficult time with the regression that is about to happen physiologically and mentally to his lifelong partner.
The cinematography will make you want to secure your own RV and adventure through the pastoral beauty of rural England. Dick Pope’s cinematography will leave you breathless, all the while supporting the tenor of the drama at the heart of this most beautiful of love stories. Whether the inside of their cozy RV or establishing shots that achieve a visual glory that is mesmerizing, Pope has laid an impeccable foundation for the director and his stars to shine.
At the end of this journey, there is supposed to be a recital for Sam, who is a professional pianist with the greatest of musical gifts. There is a symbolism to his music, as it is teased throughout the production. It makes the moment when he finally puts fingers to keys all the more resonant and potent. Keaton Henson’s score is sublime and it exactly what sonically should accompany the visual and emotional explosion that is Supernova.
There is also an element of personal choice that permeates Supernova that is very much in the headlines in the last several decades. As painful as these decisions are for individuals, it is equally as difficult by those that adore them and cherish their living. The film never makes any judgments and leaves everything to the imagination of the viewer, as it should be, and as such—the film is a haunting reminder of the fragility of life and will stick to you, long after those credits roll.
Sometimes it’s nice to witness a movie that touches our very soul of what it means to be a human being and to love, cherish, and be there for another. Supernova is that picture, and don’t be surprised if the tissue box beside the coach is near empty when all is said and it—and that’s a good thing. If there ever was a time for us to be misty-eyed about the goings-on in the world, and the tough challenges we face, it is this moment in human history. The movie doesn’t necessarily reflect that aspect in the least. It’s just a reminder of the gift of life and the importance of treasuring the moments that so many of us take for granted as the pages of the calendar turn.
Firth is his usual awesome self. Here he plays Sam on the reserved side. Through his interactions with their friends in a particularly moving scene, one can see the shades of the man he used to be before a dementia diagnosis, and its degrading effects started to erode his happiness and joy de vivre. The King Speech Oscar winner delivers one of his subtlest turns and it’s not that Tucci is the star, it’s just that since it is what Tusker is going through, the spotlight tends to be on him the most. Yet, as only Firth can, he makes as much about this story and his character’s contribution to it, that is at times painful and at other times uplifting and idyllic.
Tucci is a revelation. It may be the best work he’s turned in—and yes, that is saying something. He keenly knows what is going to happen to him and he doesn’t want to experience it. More importantly, he doesn’t want Sam to witness it. He wants Sam to remember as he was, as healthy as he could be before things went south—which they will. There’s a kindness and cuddliness to what Tucci brings with Tusker that is among the most complex and human of responses that can be accomplished in the art of film.
Both actors achieve greatness incarnate and are exactly the reason to see the movie as soon as possible. Director and writer Macqueen makes quite a statement with his command of the material, and the way he edits it all together and employs music in parts and silence in others is pure art. It is a movie that will make you think. It is also a film that will put the viewer in the shoes of each of the main characters and by the end, don’t be surprised if you’re asking yourself what you would do in such a situation. Sadly, it’s a situation that is becoming more common in our modern world.
Grade: A
Supernova will debut in theaters for a short run before landing on demand services and streaming services February 16.