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Parents' Guide to

Supernova

By Stefan Pape, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Heartfelt love story about dementia has intense content.

Movie R 2021 93 minutes
Supernova Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 15+

Based on 1 parent review

ONTHERUNMOVIES
ONTHERUNMOVIES Adult
April 21, 2021
age 15+

Intimate and heart wrenching

Very slow, nuanced “road” movie that explores friendship, love, commitment, death and dying, and what living means in the face of a serious illness that devastates one’s identity — dementia. Firth and Tucci are both excellent but Firth is the standout for me with an a powerfully subtle performance. It’s amazing to watch these two men, who are good friends in real life, act their intimate roles. While the pace is slow, what is happening is never boring. This is an emotional journey that is reflective and meditative, giving us time to think as we travel with these two men as they finally spend time with family and friends who all deal with the reality of Sam’s illness in different ways. But it is really Sam and Tusker’s management of their relationship and emotions that is most significant and most powerful. It’s interesting to reflect on the difference between THE FATHER, which is more dramatic and surprising than SUPERNOVA. But both provide important insights about dementia and its effect on people and those whom they love and care about. The pace of SUPERNOVA also allows for good character development despite the fact of the story assuming a long term relationship with little detailed backstory. There is some humour but that never really dilutes the darkness facing this couple. Definitely worth seeing this intimate heart wrenching story.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

SUPERNOVA tells the story of Sam (Colin Firth) and Tusker (Stanley Tucci) who together are coming to terms with Tusker's dementia. The couple embark on a road trip across England to visit old haunts, and close friends, in a bid to ensure they have as much quality time together as possible, before Tusker's condition worsens.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (2 ):

A beautiful study of love, in a unique and uncompromising way, this is far-removed from the archetypal Hollywood relationships we're so used to seeing. Supernova excels in its authentic depiction of long-term, yet loving union, showing the flaws and compromises, but also the support and unconditional love that is so integral to the human experience. Tonally, director and writer Harry Macqueen has presented a movie that is incredibly tender, and warm, and yet the themes explored are anything but.

The central characters -- Sam and Tusker -- are facing up to a tumultuous road ahead, with deteriorating health and death a lingering and unwanted travel companion as the couple travel across beautiful English countryside. Firth and Tucci are wonderful in the leading roles, so nuanced and likable throughout. You believe in their love every step of the way. Even in just the way they look at each other, it's a masterclass of subtle performance. Ultimately this is a film about time, and how it is best spent, and you could do a lot worse than spending your own indulging in this moving story.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how dementia is presented in Supernova. How do Sam and Tusker deal with Tusker's illness in different ways? What do you know of dementia? Why is it important to raise awareness about this and other diseases?

  • Euthanasia and suicide are discussed in the movie. Did you think it handles them sensitively? Do you think a person has the right to choose when and how they end their life?

  • Discuss the relationship between Sam and Tusker, and how communication, compassion, and courage all play a part? What do you think makes a strong relationship? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding relationships.

  • Talk about the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What does it contribute to the movie?

  • Did you find the movie sad or inspiring? Or maybe both? Why do we like to watch movies about hardship? What can we take away from these emotional experiences?

Movie Details

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