Director: Ryan White
Stars: Andrea Gibson, Megan Falley
Synopsis: Facing an incurable diagnosis, two poet lovers embark on a poignant yet unexpectedly humorous exploration of love, mortality, and life’s moments.
Anyone who has found themselves surprisingly weeping through a song or in the audience of a musical knows an unassailable fact. Music has the power to move us when normal words fail. There is something in our brains that connects with this, even at a young age. Andrea Gibson, one of the main subjects of Come See Me In The Good Light is not a musician, at least not in the common sense. But, as a spoken word poet, there is a lyricism in both their voice and their published work that triggers that same point in our brains.
Of course, the film is not only about their work, but also about their relationship and their diagnosis of and living with ovarian cancer. As the film opens, they have already been living with the diagnosis for quite some time. But this film is absolutely not what you may think. There have been many stories of people struggling with cancer and dying from it. Come See Me In the Good Light is something different and singular. Finding not only a peek into Andrea’s mind but also into their relationship with poet Megan Falley is insightful, life-affirming, and deeply moving.
It is impossible to watch this film without a sense of awe and wonder at the way Andrea looks at the world. This is the attraction to artists in general, as they tend to think deeper and differently about the world around us and our very existence. To have the gift of two artists as the focus of this film truly fills the audience with wonder. The film nearly forces you to wonder about how you might react to having your life possibly cut short by this horrendous disease. What would I do? How would I react? Would I, like Andrea, want to hold on to whatever life might have to offer? Or would we rather be comfortable and end it sooner? These are impossible questions to answer if we are not at this point, but Andrea knows, seemingly without much doubt.
Even when the cancer threatens to take their instrument, their voice, there never seems to be a loss of passion and faith. Faith in their existence propels them, even when emotion threatens to overwhelm every thought. The relationship on display is truly one of deep connection and one to aspire towards. Watching the two of them navigate their emotions and the ups and downs of living with a disease manages to be both entertaining and a real look at the sadness of possible impending loss. Director Ryan White manages to balance all of these emotions (with the help of his subjects) and the absolute stunning joy of life, regardless of our struggles.
The film seems blessed with the turns that Andrea’s life takes. The fact that they are able to perform one last time allows the story to not only focus on Gibson’s past but also the present. Additionally, it gives an opportunity to instill their moving performances in front of an adoring crowd. That audience, along with those of us watching, realize that we are seeing something important. A chance for Andrea Gibson to process this struggle, pain, and triumph on their own terms. And this is really where the musicality of the film comes to the forefront.
Previously, we were given drops of their talent in reviewing their history, complete with a frank discussion of difficulties with sexuality and gender. But now, as the event begins (complete with an appearance from producer Tig Notaro), it feels a bit like when a sports movie gets to the big game or fight. It has all led to this. And to say that it does not disappoint is the understatement of the century. Andrea Gibson’s final performance, aided by their words superimposed on the screen, creates a perfect storm of pure emotion. The audience will feel not only Gibson’s history of struggle, but our own, as well. There is little to no chance of dry eyes as they succeed in not only getting on stage, but performing to the hilt (helped by a deeply adoring crowd).
You cannot speak about Come See Me In the Good Light without being awestruck by the power of love and connection. This is not simply a reflection of Andrea and Megan’s relationship, but how they both see the world. Yes, there is pain and struggle, but all that means is that we are still alive and fighting. Even if Andrea can never perform again, their spirit and work endures and urges us to be grateful for the limited time we have on this beautiful planet, surrounded by others who fight their own fights.
