In the last year or so there have been quite a few dementia themed films, Supernova looking at the issue through the lens of a gay couple. The film is a study in how the roles that each party play in loss approaching loss. Anchored by two incredible performances, Supernova captures a powerful feeling of loss and love that is palpable.
Interestingly the queerness of the characters has little to do with this story of Supernova, at least not in the way one might think. The characters don't face any specifically queer aspects to their journey into dementia, into death. What their relationship being gay does is removes the gendered roles that usually inform these stories. As this is a story of two men about to lose the love that has sustained their lives as opposed to a man and a woman, the film isn't exploring the labour women or men specifically take on in relationships, allowing this story to be simply about two lovers, two life partners, grappling with one of them slipping away. And that is fascinating.
And as I said, the film is performed by two actors incredible actors who bring a quiet power to their roles. The film doesn't actually have much happen, but together they bring a raw, visceral, all encompassing lived experience to their story. Watching these two men exist together, in this very real relationship is at first very assuring. But as the film progresses and we see the reality they are facing, and the humanity with which they face it, the film takes on a real power. It is just heart breaking and at the same time, truly hopeful.
Supernova finds real honesty and truly grabs at your heart in a way that feels authentic and not manipulative. It is simply lovely and powerful and wonderful to watch.
Supernova
Starring: Colin Firth, Stanley Tucci
Writer/Director: Harry Macqueen
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