Supernova

2020 1h 34m EN

👍

6.9

SOLID

★6.9TMDB · 363

RomanceDrama

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

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.

“Some stories are better left unspoiled.”

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Cast

Colin Firth
Sam
Stanley Tucci
Tusker
Peter MacQueen
Clive
Pippa Haywood
Lilly
Nina Marlin
Charlotte
Ian Drysdale
Paul
Lori Campbell
Lola
Sarah Woodward
Sue

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Harry Macqueen
Writers: Harry Macqueen
Languages: English
Countries: United Kingdom

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 6

ERA

Did you know

Released 6 years ago.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 6

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Harry Macqueen, shot by Dick Pope. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 6

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Keaton Henson. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 6

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Chris Wyatt shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 6

CAST

Did you know

Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci and Peter MacQueen carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 6

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt10375470 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Harry Macqueen directs. Dick Pope behind the camera. Keaton Henson scores. Chris Wyatt cuts. Runs lean at under 100 minutes. Produced in United Kingdom. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

1Released 6 years ago.
2Directed by Harry Macqueen, shot by Dick Pope. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
3Original score by Keaton Henson. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
4Editor Chris Wyatt shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
5Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci and Peter MacQueen carry the top of the cast.
6IMDB entry: tt10375470 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

The technical file

Cinematography: Dick Pope
Original score: Keaton Henson
Editing: Chris Wyatt
Production design: Sarah Finlay
Costume design: Matthew Price
Makeup / hair: Amy Whyard
Runtime: 94 min · 1h 34m
Aspect ratio (typical): 1.37:1 (Academy)
Status: Released
Box office: $3,415,787
Original language: EN
Certification (US): R
IMDB: Supernova (2020)

Also by

Harry Macqueen

Hinterland
2015

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Community reviews

What people are saying

Peter McGinn2021-02-19
★ 8/10
This is one of those quiet movies that tells a simple core of a story mostly through dialogue and facial expressions, the kind of movie that drives some viewers crazy, running for the exits complaining that nothing happens. I saw criticism somewhere because two straight actors were cast for the roles of the gay lead characters, the standard issue of Weren’t there any gay actors they could find? I am not offended by this bit of casting, but I am not gay either. Surely many gay actors have played straight roles, right? Though let’s face it, that was born out of a long history of actors not being able to reveal their sexuality or risk damaging their careers. But it must be considered a good sign that now actors do not fear poor press by playing the roles of gay men. Anyway, it is a good movie, well written and performed skillfully by a solid ensemble cast. It is not your typical road trip movie because mostly the journal is internal, so we don’t see much in the way of sweeping scenery. I occasionally felt the lack of details in scene transitions, but it was hardly fatal to the story. Such as the house they came to stay at — I wasn’t sure how it came about, but then again, it was not critical to the plot that we know. I can’t say I would go out of my way to watch Supernova again (so many movies and programs, so little time), but neither would I change the channel or leave the room if it comes on.
Louisa Moore - Screen Zealots2021-03-09
★ 8/10
It’s been said that life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans, and such is the story of partners Sam (Colin Firth) and Tusker (Stanley Tucci). The two men are taking a road trip through the English countryside, visiting friends, family, and special places from their past. The two reminisce on their decades-old relationship, and things seem to be going well — until one day, Sam finds Tusker standing in the middle of traffic, confused about where he is. Do not dismiss “Supernova” as just another movie about dementia, which seems to be the topic du jour of late. Writer / director Harry Macqueen‘s restrained tale of morality and love ascends to a different level of sadness and sophistication, with atmospheric melancholy flowing from his sparse (and effective) storytelling. This movie is sadness. It’s revealed that Tusker was a writer and he can no longer practice his craft, while Sam is a pianist who has put his life on hold to seize what may be one of the last few opportunities to spend time with his love. The two wrestle with the dwindling sense of normalcy, and a devastating secret reveals that they have very different ideas for their future. Firth and Tucci both turn out some of the best work of their respective careers. The chemistry between the two is a significant element of what makes this film tick. Their performances are extraordinarily moving, and it’s heartbreaking to watch as the emotional toll from a debilitating illness begins to take root. Tusker faces his worsening condition with humor and honesty, and will do everything to remain in control of his own destiny. Sam is willing to abandon everything about himself and his life just to take care of and spend one more second with his partner, and he’s having a difficult time facing the reality of his future. It’s an honest look at the practical versus emotional approach to what essentially is a death sentence. Macqueen’s screenplay is filled with honest, raw writing and beautifully sad dialogue. There isn’t one thing in this film that isn’t believable, and that’s what makes “Supernova” so successful in portraying the reality of life, death, and love.
SWITCH.2021-03-18
★ 8/10
For a film riding its simplicity this hard, 'Supernova' is still a worthy and patient portrait of every couple's worst nightmare. It serves as a reminder to hold the ones you love tight, in an experience designed to make your heart swell before shattering it completely. - Ashley Teresa Read Ashley's full article... https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-supernova-colin-firth-and-stanley-tuccis-comforting-yet-confronting-romance