You simply can’t go wrong with either Stanley Tucci or Colin Firth. They have been two of our most accomplished actors for years, always able to elevate whatever material is thrown their way. So it’s going to be our pleasure to see them paired up in Supernova, even though it’s a sobering drama that deals with terminal illness.
Directed by actor-turned-filmmaker Harry Macqueen, Supernova stars Tucci and Firth as longtime partners as they travel across Europe reuniting with friends and family. But as we soon discover, Tucci’s character is suffering from early-onset dementia, and as his health fails he must face that this could be the last of such trips.
MacQueen made his directorial debut with the 2014 film, Hinterland, which he also starred in. Supernova marks a step up for him, not just in terms of star power but in the attention he’s receiving for it. The film recently premiered at the San Sebastian Film Festival, and will play at BFI London before getting full international release.
SYNOPSIS: It is deep Autumn and Sam and Tusker, partners of twenty years, are on holiday. They are travelling across England in their old campervan visiting friends, family and places from their past. Since Tusker was diagnosed with young-onset dementia two years ago their lives have had to change. Jobs have been given up and plans put on hold. Their time together is now the most important thing they have. As the trip progresses however, their individual ideas for their future begin to collide. Secrets are uncovered, private plans unravel and their love for each other is tested like never before. Ultimately, they must confront the question of what it means to love one another in the face of Tusker’s irreparable illness.
