Supernova (2021): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
Supernova is a 2021 romantic drama directed by Harry Macqueen, starring Colin Firth as Sam, Stanley Tucci and Pippa Haywood. It runs 1 hour 33 minutes and earned $3.4 million worldwide on a $50,000 budget. Critics gave it 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and 73 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 33m (93 min)
- Director
- Harry Macqueen
- Original language
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English
- Studio
- Bleecker Street
- Budget
- $50K
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Supernova About?
The premise of Supernova without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
After two decades together, partners Sam and Tusker set out on a reflective journey across England. As they revisit meaningful places and reminisce about their shared history, the trip becomes a poignant exploration of their relationship and the challenges of aging. However, unspoken truths and unresolved issues begin to surface, testing the strength of their bond and forcing them to face an uncertain future with honesty and vulnerability.
Supernova Cast & Characters
Colin Firth leads the cast as Sam, with Stanley Tucci as Tusker and Pippa Haywood as Lilly. Directed by Harry Macqueen; 12 actors are credited in all.
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Director Harry Macqueen
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Colin Firth as Sam -
Stanley Tucci as Tusker -
Pippa Haywood as Lilly -
James Dreyfus as Tim
Also Starring in Supernova
· 8 more- Sarah Woodward Sue
- Ian Drysdale Paul
- Tina Louise Owens
- Peter MacQueen Clive
- Julie Hannan Waitress
- Lori Campbell Lola
- Daneka Etchells Rachel
- Nina Marlin Charlotte
Supernova Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Supernova 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and 73 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 86/100, strongest in character & emotion (92) and weakest in rewatch factor (72).
Supernova Echo Score Breakdown
Supernova offers a poised and affecting depiction of love and loss, anchored by sustained performances and deliberate pacing. Critics and audiences alike commend its unhurried narrative style, which allows emotional moments to unfold with resonance, while the authentic portrayal of dementia underscores the film’s thematic depth. Some note that the deliberate tempo challenges engagement during quieter scenes, but the consistently strong character work and visual presentation maintain interest throughout. Net impression: a tender, thoughtfully crafted drama that delivers considerable emotional impact.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 88
In terms of art and craft, Supernova’s measured direction and cinematography create an understated visual palette that enhances the film’s emotional core. Observations from critics highlight the poised framing of landscapes and the seamless editing that supports narrative flow without distraction. The production design remains minimal yet evocative, grounding the journey in authentic settings. Overall, the artistic approach sustains a quiet elegance that underpins the drama’s thematic weight.
- Character & Emotion 92
In terms of character and emotion, the film features deeply felt performances by Stanley Tucci and Colin Firth that anchor the narrative with authenticity. Audiences praise their nuanced portrayals and believable chemistry, noting moments of subtle interaction that convey profound love and sorrow. Although some viewers wished for additional exploration of their relationship’s backstory, the actors’ commitment ensures emotional resonance. Overall, the character work remains the film’s most compelling asset.
- Story & Flow 78
In terms of story and flow, Supernova unfolds at a deliberately measured pace that some viewers find deeply immersive while others perceive as slow. The narrative’s road-trip structure allows thematic exploration of mortality and dementia, offering thoughtful moments of reflection. A few critiques mention limited plot development and occasional emotional distance, but the screenplay’s focus on raw honesty maintains engagement. Overall, the story delivers a poignant journey, albeit one that relies heavily on mood over action.
- Sensory Experience 85
In terms of sensory experience, the film’s soundtrack and environmental sound design complement its visual storytelling with subtle restraint. The score underscores emotional beats without overshadowing dialogue, and the location soundscapes of the English countryside enhance authenticity. Visually, the understated color palette and naturalistic lighting evoke an intimate atmosphere that aligns with the narrative’s tone. Overall, Supernova presents a cohesive sensory journey that amplifies its emotional core.
- Rewatch Factor 72
In terms of rewatch factor, Supernova offers a thoughtful emotional tapestry that invites reflection on love and loss through subsequent viewings. The subtle pacing and layered performances reveal additional nuances in character dynamics each time, rewarding attentive audiences. However, the film’s melancholic tone and deliberate tempo may limit its appeal for frequent rewatching. Overall, the movie retains strong lasting appeal for those drawn to intimate, character-driven dramas.
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Rotten Tomatoes 89% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 69%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 73 Metascore
User score 7.1
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 69% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.6 /5
136 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 5.0 /5
See on Movie Insider
Supernova Plot Summary
What happens in Supernova from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Sam and Tusker, who have been romantic partners for two decades and share a passion for amateur astronomy, set out on an adventurous road trip through England in their campervan. Their journey takes them to the picturesque Lake District, where they plan to revisit cherished locations and reunite with friends and family.
However, their trip is tinged with sadness as Tusker has been diagnosed with early onset dementia, a condition that increasingly strains their relationship. As Tusker grapples with his illness, he finds himself struggling to write a book, unwilling to share his work with Sam. On the other hand, Sam, a gifted pianist and composer, is preparing for what he claims will be his final concert.
Full summary
The whole story of Supernova, scene by scene
Supernova Box Office & Budget
Supernova grossed $3.4 million worldwide on a $50,000 budget, 68 times what it cost. $234,220 came from the US and Canada and $3.2 million (93%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$3.4M
68× its budget
- US & Canada
- $234.2K
- International
- $3.2M
- Budget
- $50K
Supernova Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 behind-the-scenes video.
- Behind the Scenes Behind the Scenes with Colin Firth & Stanley Tucci | Supernova
How Well Do You Know Supernova?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is Tusker's condition?
Supernova Also Known As
16 alternative titles, including “在星空尽头等你” and “永远的我们”.
- Also known as
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- 在星空尽头等你
- 永远的我们
- Memórias de Um Amor
- กอดให้รักไม่เลือน
- スーパーノヴァ:2020
- Süpernova
- Супернова
- 슈퍼노바
- Un Amor Memorable
- Σουπερνόβα
- סופרנובה
- 超新星
+4 more Show fewer
- Szupernóva
- スーパーノヴァ
- 在星空盡頭等你
- 永遠的我們, სუპერნოვა
Seen Supernova?
Supernova FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Supernova, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Supernova?
Supernova runs 1 hour 33 minutes (93 minutes).
When was Supernova released?
Supernova was released on January 29, 2021.
Who directed Supernova?
Supernova was directed by Harry Macqueen.
More films by Harry Macqueen Who is in the cast of Supernova?
Supernova stars Colin Firth as Sam, Stanley Tucci as Tusker and Pippa Haywood as Lilly, among 12 credited actors.
How much did Supernova make at the box office?
Supernova grossed $3.4 million worldwide ($234,220 domestic, $3.2 million international) on a budget of $50,000.
How is Supernova rated?
Supernova has 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 73 on Metacritic, 69% on TMDB and 3.6/5 on Letterboxd.
Does Supernova have a post-credit scene?
No. Supernova has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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