Review
Supernova (Drama, Romance) (2020)
Director: Harry Macqueen
Writer: Harry Macqueen
Stars: Colin Firth, Stanley Tucci, Pippa Haywood, Lori Campbell
Traveling across the English Lake District, Sam (Colin Firth) and Tusker (Stanley Tucci) reunite with friends and family as it might be their last chance to do so in this manner due to Tusker being diagnosed with early-onset dementia.
As Harry Macqueen’s second directed film ‘’Supernova’’ is a tender and slow-paced tale of Sam and Tusker’s relationship and some final moments they can share. Set in the beautiful English Lake District, it’s almost like you’re their invisible traveling companion in a heart-wrenching story featuring one of the most complex and troublesome decisions a couple would ever need to make.
From the beginning, it is clear that ‘’Supernova’’ isn’t out to spoon-feed the viewer, with a lot of unsaid words Sam and Tusker’s RV rolls along the countryside having only limiting dialogue, the interactions that do happen, though, have substance, whether it’s verbally or physically. Firth and Tucci deliver on heart-wrenching but excellent portrayals in what is quite possibly the biggest tear-jerker in the year.
The grounded and realistic dialogue between the pair and those around them when attending a self-organised dinner really works. One of the conversations that stood out most to me was after the dinner as Tusker tries to impart some final wisdom on a young girl with the following quote ‘’ We will not starve for lack of wonders, but from lack of wonder’’. The deeper the movie goes, the more reality sets in, and you realise alongside Sam what is really going on. All that with a soundtrack that manages to embolden the emotionally driven content with its simple piano notes while also serving as connective tissue in the narrative itself.
Not much is needed in a relatively simple but captivating trip across England, using flashes of intelligent cinematography making ‘’Supernova’’ stand out amongst a sea of overly tantalising cinema.
Verdict
A supernova of emotion.
8,0
