A gay couple -- one a musician, the other a novelist -- embark on a road trip as dementia starts to take hold of one of them.
Supernova (2020)
Supernova had its world premiere at the 68th San Sebastián International Film Festival on 22 September 2020 and was released in the United States on 29 January 2021, by Bleecker Street, and in the United Kingdom on 25 June 2021, by StudioCanal.
Sam and Tusker, romantic partners for 20 years and amateur astronomers, undertake a road trip in a campervan across England to the Lake District, to visit some of their favorite spots and for a reunion with friends and family. Tusker has been diagnosed with early onset dementia, with his progressing illness putting a strain on their relationship. He is in the middle of writing a book, but is struggling with it, refusing to show it to Sam. Sam is a pianist/composer preparing for what he says will be his final piano concert.
The pair arrive at Sam’s sister’s house, where the rest of their family and friends later gather for a party in their honor. During subsequent conversation with one of their friends, Sam finds out Tusker has been having difficulties writing. Sam heads into their camper van and discovers in his journal that Tusker’s writing has been declining steadily over time. He also discovers that Tusker has a vial of Pentobarbital and has made a farewell audio tape, explaining that he intends to take his own life. Sam says nothing.
The pair head to a leased cottage in the countryside. Sam confronts Tusker about his discovery and plays the tape to him, revealing Tusker’s plans to die by suicide before his dementia becomes too severe. Sam strongly and pleadingly argues with him against this idea, to no avail. They make up the next day and have an intimate night together. The next morning, as Sam plays the piano, he lets Tusker know that he accepts his decision and wants to be at his side when it happens.
In the final scene, Sam appears on stage, playing the beautiful piano piece that Tusker loved so well.
