Supernova

Last night I went to see Supernova, a movie that I have been eagerly anticipating for months, and it broke my heart into a million pieces.  Sam (Colin Firth), a musician, and Tusker (Stanley Tucci), a writer, have been a devoted couple for decades when Tusker receives the devastating diagnosis of early-onset dementia.  Two years later Sam is ambivalent about an invitation to perform a concert but Tusker is eager for him to accept and plans an elaborate road trip to visit family and friends on the way to the venue.  The dementia is taking a toll on both of them but Sam sees this trip as an opportunity to help Tusker remember their life together while Tusker is trying to help Sam forget him.  This movie is an incredibly moving portrayal of love and loss and anyone who has ever had a loved one suffer from dementia will be absolutely devastated by it.  I started crying during a particularly poignant moment at a dinner party when Sam reads a speech written by Tusker in which he expresses his love and appreciation for Sam and I don't think I stopped until the emotional conclusion.  It is also a really understated character study that is elevated by brilliant performances from both Firth and Tucci, maybe the best of their careers.  They have tremendous chemistry with each other and are entirely believable as a couple who has been together for years.  The way that they look at each other and touch each other reveals the depth of their connection, perhaps even better than what they say (although I loved the scenes where they bicker about using the GPS).  Firth, especially, is heartbreaking in his silent anguish.  This movie really resonated with me personally, particularly a scene where Tusker struggles to remember a word, but I highly recommend it to everyone (just bring your tissues).