SUPERNOVA
Silly sex in space makes this a poor choice for family viewing.
Should You Watch It?
SUPERNOVA began as a high-concept intellectual film but became a confused action-adventure movie after extensive changes behind the scenes. The result has a workable structure but pedestrian plotting and an ill-conceived story.
The film centers on a paramedic spaceship, a new co-pilot with a drug problem, and a distress signal from a rogue moon. What follows combines sexual desire, violence, drug-related material, evolutionary ideas, and a threat to human life. The source review specifically warns that the PG-13 rating is surprising given the sexual discussion and excessive violence.
This is not suitable for children or young teens. If you are an adult who still wants to see it, wait for home, where you can control the experience.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESThe paramedic spaceship Nightingale receives a distress signal from a rogue moon. Its new co-pilot, Nick Vanzant, has been transferred from combat after struggling with drug use.
Dr. Kaela Evers recognizes the signal as coming from Carl, her former lover. The crew travels toward the moon, where a mysterious survivor and a strange object connected to the universe’s creation await them.
Is It Any Good?
Two stars means SUPERNOVA has a few workable pieces but does not come together as a satisfying film.
The source review says the final product is not that bad in terms of structure, but criticizes its pedestrian plotting and calls it ill-conceived. The movie was originally designed as an intellectual science-fiction film, then reshaped into more of an action-adventure. That behind-the-scenes mishandling left a dud. Angela Bassett’s performance as Dr. Evers is singled out as good, but the film’s larger ideas and execution do not overcome its weaknesses.
The Worldview
SUPERNOVA presents an evolutionary worldview alongside some moral elements and a positive reference to Christ. Its science-fiction mythology imagines superior beings who create a ninth-dimensional object capable of rejuvenating the universe while destroying evolving races. The film also includes discussions of Darwinian evolution, drug-like effects from an alien artifact, and euthanasia.
The movie’s treatment of creation and human life departs from a biblical view. Scripture presents God—not superior aliens—as the Creator: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). At the same time, the source review notes that the film contains some moral elements and a positive reference to Christ.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Evolutionary worldview with some moral elements & positive reference to Christ; 5 obscenities & 3 low key profanities; lots of violence including person impaled, eye shot out, skewerings, arm cut off, dead bodies lying around, frightening battles in space, people catapulted into space, man blows up in machine & blood & guts all over, & other violent destruction; lots of fornication including several couples have sex in several areas of spaceship, shot of bodies entwined, discussions & desires expressed for sex, & shots of moment after sex; no frontal nudity, but shadow nudity, nudity obscured by Plexiglas & people disrobing in front of each other; drinking; discussions of drug use & seduction by alien artifact that gives heightened drug-type effect; and, discussions of aliens who are as smart as God & can create 9th dimensional object to rejuvenate the universe & also wipe out evolving races, much discussion of Darwinian evolution, & euthanasia.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
The movie connects drug use with destructive choices. How can a person seek help and practice wisdom when facing temptation?
1 Corinthians 10:13 · James 1:5The film imagines beings who can create and control life. What does Scripture teach about who gives life and holds ultimate authority over creation?
Genesis 1:1 · Acts 17:24–25The story raises questions about euthanasia and the value of human life. Why does the Bible say human beings have special worth?
Genesis 1:27 · Psalm 139:13–16The movie includes a positive reference to Christ amid an evolutionary worldview. How should Christians test the ideas presented in a story?
Acts 17:11 · 1 Thessalonians 5:21The Final Word
SUPERNOVA has a workable structure and a good performance from Angela Bassett, but its plotting is pedestrian and its content is far too strong for children or young teens. For discerning adults, WAIT FOR HOME — ADULTS ONLY. For a better family night, try these alternatives.
