Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartfelt love story about dementia has intense content.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Supernova
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?
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
- In theaters : January 29, 2021
- On DVD or streaming : February 16, 2021
- Cast : Colin Firth , Stanley Tucci , Pippa Haywood
- Director : Harry Macqueen
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Bleecker Street Media
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language
- Last updated : March 12, 2021
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate