‘Come See Me in the Good Light’ Shines as a Tender Portrait of Poet Andrea Gibson’s Final Year
Ryan White’s Come See Me in the Good Light is a deeply moving and life-affirming documentary that captures the final year of beloved poet Andrea Gibson, their creative brilliance, and their enduring love story with fellow poet Megan Falley. The film, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2025 and is now available to stream on Apple TV, offers an intimate look at how art, love, and courage intertwine in the face of mortality.
A Love Story Told Through Poetry and Presence
At its heart, Come See Me in the Good Light is not a film about dying — it’s a film about living. It follows Andrea and Megan’s life together in Colorado, surrounded by poetry, laughter, friends, and their two dogs. The couple’s relationship is built on shared creativity and tenderness, and director Ryan White captures their connection with remarkable honesty.
The documentary’s title takes on new meaning as viewers see Andrea, diagnosed with ovarian cancer, confront illness with humor, humility, and emotional clarity. Whether fixing a broken mailbox, writing verse, or joking with Megan, Andrea radiates authenticity. Their poetry — simple in structure but layered with emotion — becomes the film’s heartbeat, weaving together themes of identity, mortality, and the power of love.
“Their poems are simple in language with an undeniable emotional complexity,” critic Jourdain Searles noted in her review, adding that the film “earns your tears.”
Andrea Gibson’s Final Performance
One of the most powerful sequences in the 1-hour 49-minute documentary shows Andrea preparing for and ultimately performing one last spoken-word show. Though visibly weakened, they deliver their words with strength and gratitude, their voice rising above physical pain. It’s a triumphant and heartbreaking moment — one that cements their legacy as one of the most influential queer poets of their generation.
Andrea passed away in July 2025, held by Megan in their final moments. The film, completed just months earlier, allowed Andrea to watch their life and art celebrated on the big screen at Sundance — a poignant farewell few artists ever experience.
A Film That Embraces Life, Love, and Loss
Director Ryan White — known for documentaries like The Keepers and Good Night Oppy — brings a deeply personal touch to Come See Me in the Good Light. Shot with warmth and intimacy, the film feels less like a documentary and more like a love letter. Every frame radiates the closeness between its subjects and their circle of friends.
“It’s rare to see a film that so gently captures a queer artist’s final chapter,” White shared in a statement. “Andrea wanted to remind people that love is the legacy that outlives us.”
The result is a film that balances heartbreak and hope, never shying away from the pain of illness but refusing to let it eclipse joy. As Megan cares for Andrea, their devotion becomes an embodiment of the phrase “in sickness and in health.”
A Tribute to a Beloved Queer Voice
Andrea Gibson was more than a poet — they were a cultural force who inspired generations of queer and nonbinary writers to speak boldly about identity, politics, and love. Their voice, both literal and artistic, became a lifeline for audiences seeking truth and connection.
Come See Me in the Good Light continues that mission, serving as both a memorial and a message. It invites viewers to feel deeply, love unapologetically, and find beauty even in goodbye.
Streaming and Legacy
Released on November 14 on Apple TV, the documentary has quickly resonated with audiences for its emotional honesty and visual grace. Viewers have praised its tenderness, calling it “one of the most heartfelt documentaries in years.”
“It’s a wonder that it was made at all — and so tenderly,” wrote Searles. “It’s unapologetically sentimental, knowingly pulling at every single heartstring, and encouraging us to give ourselves over to Andrea’s resilient positivity.”
For anyone who has loved, lost, or found solace in art, Come See Me in the Good Light is a powerful reminder that our words and compassion can outlast time itself.
Come See Me in the Good Light is now streaming on Apple TV.
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