Facing Mortality with Fierce Honesty: A Review of “Come see Me In the Good Light”
The documentary “Come See me In The Good Light,” now streaming on Apple TV+, isn’t just a film about dying; it’s a profoundly moving exploration of living in the face of mortality. Director Rebecca Halpern White delivers a raw, intimate portrait of poet Andrea Gibson adn their partner, Jenny Falley, as they navigate a cancer diagnosis with disarming humor, unflinching honesty, and a surprising amount of joy. As someone who’s spent years observing the intersection of creativity, vulnerability, and the human condition, I found this film to be exceptionally powerful and deeply resonant.
This isn’t a story about a tragic decline. It’s about a life fully lived, and a courageous confrontation with what it means to say goodbye. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on your own values, relationships, and the preciousness of time.
A Poet’s Outlook on Life and loss
Andrea Gibson is a force of nature. A former touring spoken word poet known for their emotionally charged performances, Gibson’s work has always grappled with themes of identity, trauma, and the search for meaning. Their unique ability to articulate complex feelings, honed through years of captivating audiences, becomes a powerful tool in navigating their own illness.
The film beautifully interweaves:
* Poignant poetry readings: Gibson’s work, notably pieces like “Tincture,” offers a haunting meditation on the body’s fragility and the soul’s grief.
* Archival footage: We see Gibson’s evolution from a closeted queer youth in rural Maine to a celebrated performer commanding stages with rockstar energy.
* Intimate present-day moments: The film doesn’t shy away from the messy realities of illness, showcasing the couple’s vulnerability, humor, and unwavering love for each other.
This blend creates a rich tapestry of a life, allowing you to connect with Gibson on a deeply personal level. You’ll quickly understand why Falley affectionately refers to them as “the gay James Dean.”
Humor as a Lifeline
What truly sets “Come See Me In The Good Light” apart is its embrace of dark humor. Instead of shying away from the uncomfortable realities of cancer, gibson and Falley meet them with laughter. A particularly striking scene involves a joke about Falley “finger[ing] the cancer” out of Gibson, a moment that encapsulates the film’s refusal to sanitize the experience.
This isn’t about minimizing the pain; it’s about finding a way to cope, to reclaim agency, and to find moments of levity even in the darkest of times. It’s a testament to the power of humor as a survival mechanism, and a reminder that joy and sorrow can coexist.
Unvarnished Honesty and Profound Questions
White doesn’t offer easy answers or sentimental platitudes. Instead, she presents a raw, unvarnished portrait of a couple grappling with profound questions:
* The irony of longing for a healthy body: Falley, a writer working on a memoir about body image, witnesses her partner’s desperate desire for any functioning body.
* The difficult choice of treatment: Gibson faces the agonizing decision of whether to pursue an experimental treatment that could extend their life but potentially silence their voice.
* The fluidity of identity: As death approaches, Gibson experiences a surprising release from the constraints of gender, finding that identity itself begins to “drip off.”
* The unexpected desire to live: A person who once contemplated suicide now clings fiercely to life, discovering a newfound recognition for the simple act of being.
These aren’t theoretical questions; they’re deeply personal struggles explored with remarkable honesty and vulnerability. The film doesn’t shy away from the complexities of these issues,allowing you to wrestle with them alongside Gibson and Falley.
A Legacy of Love and Wonder
Andrea Gibson passed away in July 2023, surrounded by loved ones. The film deliberately avoids mentioning the exact date, choosing instead to end on a note of vibrant hope.We see Gibson, full of life and wonder, marveling at the simple
