Supernova (2020)

Directed by: Harry Macqueen | 93 minutes | drama, romance | Actors: Colin Firth, Stanley Tucci, Pippa Haywood, Peter MacQueen, Nina Marlin, Ian Drysdale, Sarah Woodward, James Dreyfus, Lori Campbell, Daneka Etchells, Halema Hussain

Sam (Colin Firth) and Tusker (Stanley Tucci) travel across England in their motorhome. They visit family and friends in the countryside while reflecting on their shared past. However, it is not a normal holiday. Tusker’s dementia has gotten worse in recent years and he is increasingly falling away in fits of senility. While Tusker struggles with his mental state, Sam tries to make peace with his partner’s illness. Their journey offers perspective, but also reveals far-reaching secrets.

‘Supernova’ follows the direction of a classic road movie in which the characters’ inner journey is the ultimate goal. Director Harry Macqueen relies almost entirely on the abilities of his two protagonists in that regard. A dubious decision, which fortunately turns out well. Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci perform their roles with verve.

Colin Firth takes the lead for the most part. Firth, who won an Oscar for ‘The King’s Speech’ (2010) and made his mark with films such as ‘Love Actually’ (2003) and ‘A Single Man’ (2009), convinces here as an optimistic, yet resigned husband who knows what he wants. His character is caring, but at the same time very fragile. By his side is Tusker, played beautifully by Stanley Tucci, who made a name for himself with roles in films such as ‘Big Night’ (1996) and ‘The Lovely Bones’ (2009). As a counterpart to the role of Firth, Tucci is perfectly cast. He portrays his character in a sympathetic, soft and authentic way, always gripping the viewer with genuine emotion. He plays the difficult role of the dementia patient with such dignity that there is not a single embarrassing moment in the entire film. It testifies to his acting skills.

In other areas, ‘Supernova’ is a little less exciting. The cinematography is decent, but never impressive. The music is enjoyable, but not exactly compelling. The dramatic angles are evident, but they are ultimately insufficiently developed. A little more audiovisual ingenuity and a little more creativity over the course of the plot could have taken the film to the next level in that regard. In its current state, ‘Supernova’ is pleasant, but also somewhat risk-free.