IN BRIEF: Two powerful performances in a moving love story.
JIM'S REVIEW: (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) After being in exile for over a year due to the pandemic and poor distribution rights from the studio, one can finally stream one of the most underrated movies of 2020, Supernova. Beautifully acted and sensitively written, the film charts the final days with Sam (Colin Firth) and Tusker (Stanley Tucci), a gay couple who are traveling through England to meet family and friends.
Yet not is all well with the loving couple. Tusker has been diagnosed with dementia and is adjusting to his fading memory and lack of independence. Sam has been steadfast in his love and caring for him and cannot let go. Their 20 year relationship is rock solid, but Tusker's sense of self and his continuing loss of control is taking a toll on him and his marriage. The film, adroitly written and directed by Harry Macqueen, takes moviegoers on this touching road trip. Pack your tissues with you too, dear moviegoers. Your tear ducts will get a workout.
Supernova is an emotionally satisfying film, tragic and candid in its storytelling. The screenplay is insightful, yet one wishes there were more backstory about the couple's bonding and earlier life. The story slowly unfolds but the journey succinctly shows the love between two men with an honesty rarely seen about this subject.
Much of the film's power comes from the nuanced acting of the two straight leads who are simply brilliant. (Some critics took issue with non-gay actors in these roles, but their interpretation of a loving gay couple on screen was thoroughly convincing and extremely moving.) Both actors say as much with their scripted words as they do with their sideway glances, physical intimacy, and subtle stances. (Watch both performers during that testimonial dinner scene as Sam speaks Tusker's words and you will witness acting of the highest order by both of these talented film stars. How neither earned Oscar nominations for their work is shameful!)
Supernova is an excellent love story. It would have been in My Best Film List of 2020...if I would have had the privilege to see it back then. You can now. Do not miss this haunting film. (GRADE: B+)
JIM'S REVIEW: (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) After being in exile for over a year due to the pandemic and poor distribution rights from the studio, one can finally stream one of the most underrated movies of 2020, Supernova. Beautifully acted and sensitively written, the film charts the final days with Sam (Colin Firth) and Tusker (Stanley Tucci), a gay couple who are traveling through England to meet family and friends.
Yet not is all well with the loving couple. Tusker has been diagnosed with dementia and is adjusting to his fading memory and lack of independence. Sam has been steadfast in his love and caring for him and cannot let go. Their 20 year relationship is rock solid, but Tusker's sense of self and his continuing loss of control is taking a toll on him and his marriage. The film, adroitly written and directed by Harry Macqueen, takes moviegoers on this touching road trip. Pack your tissues with you too, dear moviegoers. Your tear ducts will get a workout.
Supernova is an emotionally satisfying film, tragic and candid in its storytelling. The screenplay is insightful, yet one wishes there were more backstory about the couple's bonding and earlier life. The story slowly unfolds but the journey succinctly shows the love between two men with an honesty rarely seen about this subject.
Much of the film's power comes from the nuanced acting of the two straight leads who are simply brilliant. (Some critics took issue with non-gay actors in these roles, but their interpretation of a loving gay couple on screen was thoroughly convincing and extremely moving.) Both actors say as much with their scripted words as they do with their sideway glances, physical intimacy, and subtle stances. (Watch both performers during that testimonial dinner scene as Sam speaks Tusker's words and you will witness acting of the highest order by both of these talented film stars. How neither earned Oscar nominations for their work is shameful!)
Supernova is an excellent love story. It would have been in My Best Film List of 2020...if I would have had the privilege to see it back then. You can now. Do not miss this haunting film. (GRADE: B+)