SUPERNOVA (2020)

“I want to be remembered for who I was, not who I am about to become.”

If Supernova could be summed up in one quote from the film, it would certainly be that.

Set against the English countryside, Supernova tells the story of a charming gay couple: Tusker (Stanley Tucci), an esteemed writer and Sam (Colin Firth), a renowned pianist, who set out on a roadtrip after being informed that Tusker has been diagnosed with early onset dementia.

As Tusker and Sam travel, their relationship is laid bare for the audience to see. Though they are still deeply in love, they navigate the trip in very different places. Tusker is coming to terms with the fact that each day, he is slipping further and further away from the life and world that he knows. While Sam does his best to hold onto the tether that binds him and Tusker together.

Supernova is not a complete story, in fact it is merely a glance into the life of a devoted couple who must navigate the uncertain waters of coming to terms with a terminal illness. Tucci and Firth give career high performances, which makes the story even more difficult to come to terms with. It is a masterclass in every sense of the word. We are taken to the heights of happiness just as quickly as we are plunged into the depths of heartbreak and mourning.

To be frank, it is a wonder that neither actors were graced with an Oscar nomination for their roles because they melt so effortlessly into the roles that you may forget that this is a scripted film and not a documentary about dealing with love and loss.

Although you will find moments that you are wiping away the tears, be assured that there is so much heart within the story, that you will find yourself beaming from ear to ear as your eyes fill with tears for a whole different reason.

I don’t use the word “triumph” often but this film deserves the distinction. It truly is a triumphant film.