A strange trend that has emerged within the past two decades is the notion of a romantic story centered on a relationship in which one character is diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening illness. Seemingly, this would allow for a mature take on theromantic drama, but it often descends into an absurd recitation of clichés. The issue with films likeThe Fault in Our StarsorMe Before Youis that the subplot surrounding the character’s illness is treated as more important than the characters, and seeks to manipulate the audience from the very moment that the characters are first introduced. However, the underrated romantic dramaSupernovatakes a more reflective lookat what it’s liketo be in a relationship with a partner who has been diagnosed with dementia, and features some of the finest performances of bothColin FirthandStanley Tucci’scareers.
It’s not necessarily hard to understand whySupernovawas largely forgotten after its original release. Despite positive reviews at the San Sebastián Film Festival during the fall of 2020, it was only given a limited theatrical release in the United States the following January. However,Supernovaisa must-watch examination of the power of love,and how a couples’ relationship can be challenged by devastating circumstances.
Sam and Tusker, partners of 20 years, are traveling across England in their old RV visiting friends, family and places from their past. Since Tusker was diagnosed with early-onset dementia two years ago, their time together is the most important thing they have. As the trip progresses, however, their ideas for the future clash, secrets come out, and their love for each other is tested as never before. Ultimately, they must confront the question of what it means to love one another in the face of Tusker’s illness.
What Is ‘Supernova’ About?
Written and directed by former actorHarry Macqueen,Supernovaexplores a middle-aged couple’s crisis of confidenceas they attend a road trip to England’s Lake Districtin order to meet up with their respective extended family members. Sam (Colin Firth) is a very respected musician who has begun preparing for what he claims will be the final piano concert of his career. Despite his dedication to his craft, Sam’s attention is distracted by the ongoing health issues that his partner Tusker (Stanley Tucci) is experiencing. Tusker is a talented author who has been diagnosed with dementia. While Tusker has attempted to mask the more debilitating ramifications of his disease from his family, Sam realizes that the side effects are far more serious than he’s letting on. As they prepare to take their relationship to the next level, Sam and Tusker are forced to face a series of uncomfortable questions about how long they have left.
The brilliance ofSupernovais thatit avoids the expository dumps that are common in these sorts of films that are centered on illness.The film simply explores a few days in the life of Sam and Tusker in a waythat feels very natural; it’s only through paying attention that the viewer will realize that Tusker’s mannerisms are slightly “off,” and that he is often forgetting things that he did moments ago. This tension bursts to the surface in one of the film’s most devastating scenes, in which Sam has to read Tusker’s toast, which is dedicated to him, at a dinner party because Tusker is having a hard time getting through it himself. Hearing Tusker’s words come out of Sam’s mouth is gut-wrenching, as both characters are attempting to gauge each other’s reactions in real time.
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Supernovagives its audience the opportunity to fall in love with both charactersbefore it begins taking its dark turn. It’s critical that this is a couple who has already spent decades with each other; there’s an entire history of happy memories that are vaguely hinted at through off-handed references and in-jokes. It’s alsoone of the stronger examples of LGBTQIA+ representationin recent memory, as it’s a film about an older gay couple that doesn’t need to highlight the characters’ sexuality or make it appear to be “abnormal” because their love comes through so naturally.
‘Supernova’ Examines Perseverance in Relationships
Supernovaallows the characters to have a well-reasoned discussion about a horrific decision, as Tusker considers dying by suicide before his memories are completely lost. In Tusker’s mind, this would allow him to die while still remembering his lover’s face, and could spare Sam years of having to care for someone who no longer recognizes him. It’s easy to see why both characters feel so strongly about their positions, and how they are both inherently selfless. Tusker wants to remove the burden from Sam’s life, but Sam won’t be content until they fight to the end. It’sa mature debate about deaththat never feels superficial or manipulative.
Supernova’s relative simplicity is its strongest aspect,as the film does not spend much time focusing on characters other than Tusker and Sam. It would have been easy to insert another mitigating factor that puts more pressure on Tusker to make a decision, but Macqueen lets the story play out to its natural end. The film also never attempts to make any overarching statements that would apply to all of its audience; rather, it examines what decision is best for Tusker and Sam in this specific situation. The intimate examination ofan older couple’s lifelong relationship, which is often ignored in mainstream Hollywood films, makesSupernovafeel like even more of a positive anomaly.
‘Supernova’ Shows a Different Side of Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci
Macqueen’s screenplay is already quite brilliant, butSupernovasucceeds in showing different types of personas for both Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci.Firth has played romantic leads several times before, but putting him in a position in which he needed to be far more serious thanLove ActuallyorMamma Mia!showed just how versatile of an actor he can be. Similarly, Tucci is a lifelong character actor who often serves as a scene-stealer,yet finally managed to secure a beautiful lead role inSupernova.
