2.5 out of 5 stars (Decent)
This article originally appeared on theilluminerdi.com on January 29, 2021.
Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci are two of the best actors working in Hollywood. Both have proven themselves capable of injecting conviction and gravitas into their roles even when the film around them isn’t as strong as they are. That’s precisely the case with the strangely-titled Supernova, a decently emotional heart-tugger whose flaws are largely overcome by their performances. In the hands of lesser actors, Supernova would likely get lost in the shuffle of new films coming out, but emotionally vulnerable performances from Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci make this weepy worth seeing.
Musician Sam (Colin Firth) and author Tusker (Stanley Tucci) are a couple taking a road trip for Sam’s newest gig. Sadly, Tusker is suffering from dementia, causing a rift between the two. As they get closer to the gig, both men will have to face the inevitable and have their relationship tested like never before.
Supernova improves as it goes along. The first 3rd is noticeably slow and we’re not told everything up-front, but it picks up after 30 minutes or so. Firth and Tucci have good romantic chemistry and I’d enjoy seeing them collaborate again. I wish we could have seen some of their relationship before Tusker’s dementia, but the performances convey a long-lasting relationship slowly in decline and the surprisingly strong final stretch provides both with potential Oscar clips should this be considered next year. It isn’t the best emotional drama out there, but I can imagine it getting a tear out of audiences at home.
Supernova isn’t the brightest star in the sky, but emotional performances from Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci make it shine just enough to warrant your attention. See Supernova.
Rated R for Language