‘Come  See Me in the Good Light’ Review: A Luminous Portrait of Two Poets Navigating an Incurable Diagnosis

by

Ryan White, the director of ‘Come See Me in the Good Light’, created this documentary reflecting his initial feelings upon visiting the home of spoken word artist Andrea Gibson, who is battling incurable ovarian cancer, and her partner, poet Megan Falley. Similar to their warm welcome, the documentary serves as a surprising and inviting suggestion to linger, even to participate and enjoy.

If the film’s heartwarming depiction contradicts the harsh reality of their deep pain, ongoing treatments, and grim medical prognosis, it challenges the notion of an early demise. By offering a close look at the poets’ home in Longmont, Co., viewers are given the opportunity to join them on doctor visits and chemotherapy sessions, and to share in their intimate moments as they contemplate the frivolous and the profound.

The closeness exhibited by the doctor might be attributed to traditional cinéma vérité techniques, but there seems to be an added poetic essence at play. Gibson and Falley don’t hide the presence of White and his team in their home; instead, they welcome them warmly. This amicable attitude extends to us viewers as well. During a frank dinner discussion with friend Stef Willen, Gibson openly addresses the filmmakers through hearty laughter. In the very beginning of the movie, as they stand in their kitchen discussing a potion, they say, “I’ll tell you all, I usually get so annoyed when Meg edits my poems.” She laughs in response.

The doctor’s familiarity with the film crew isn’t just typical cinema vérité; it also has a poetic touch. Gibson and Falley don’t hide the crew or pretend they aren’t there, instead treating them (and by extension us) kindly. During a candid dinner conversation, Gibson talks openly to the crew, even laughing with them. At the start of the movie, they joke about editing poems, showing a friendly, laid-back attitude.

Standing nearby, Falley says in a measured tone, “Tell them what you mean by that.”

2021 saw Gibson being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Initially, they believed it to be a simple stomach bug, but as symptoms worsened, resembling a constricting anaconda in the abdomen, their doctor persuaded them to undergo a CAT scan. The diagnosis proved grim and subsequently grew more severe. In the poem “Life Anthem,” Gibson poignantly reflects on their experience while seated at their desk, facing away from the camera. However, in the heart-wrenching piece titled “Come See Me in the Good Light,” they eloquently explore existential themes. Yet, Gibson and Falley go beyond mere sharing of their medical ordeal; they offer a generous insight into their journey through the complex labyrinth of healthcare challenges.

The entire documentary employs White’s skillful incorporation of Gibson’s words. Additionally, archaic clips reveal the young, timid and emotionally tormented poet, who was raised queer in Maine, gradually dominating the spoken word scene. Using gender-neutral pronouns, Gibson gained such popularity that they managed to sell out music venues.

or

The documentary cleverly weaves White’s choice of words from Gibson. Furthermore, vintage footage presents the young, introverted and emotionally troubled poet who grew up queer in Maine, eventually captivating the spoken word community. Employing gender-neutral pronouns, Gibson became so popular they filled music venues to capacity.

In 2023, Gibson was appointed as the poet laureate of Colorado. Amidst a movie revolving around the theme of death, poetry plays a crucial role. Through their work and actions, Gibson provides subtle lessons on language, meaning, and pain. The film encourages us to ponder: What is poetry? How does it convey meaning? Why is it one of the rare art forms that brings comfort? These contemplations occur while we are captivated by Gibson and Falley.

Gibson’s delivery is subtly humorous, making their jokes even more laugh-out-loud. Their commentary during their continuous skirmish with a countryside mailbox is uproarious. When comedian Tig Notaro steps in – introducing Gibson before what might be their final spoken word performance – it seems perfectly fitting. Longtime friends, they both possess dry wit, yet show an unexpected warmth amidst challenging situations. (Notaro and Willen were the ones who initiated this documentary project.)

During his treatments, Gibson takes on two writing assignments that provoke our contemplation of existence. One involves an essay for a gathering of poet laureates, while the other is a graduation speech for their Maine High School. Although both pieces hold significance, it’s the desire to perform one more spoken word show that drives him most urgently.

As the next round of their three-week blood tests approaches, anxiety grows. At the same time, they find themselves appreciating the little moments more, as if time is slowing down. When Falley uses an app to see what they might look like in old age, it’s a mix of silliness and sweetness. It also serves as a fleeting escape from the sadness that their relationship may not last as long as they grow older.

In the beginning, Gibson expresses a sense of dread, believing he’s faced with his greatest fear. However, he urges us to stick around because his tale holds a message – joy can be found more readily once we understand that time is not infinite for its pursuit. True to his words, the movie “Come See Me in the Good Light” delivers on this promise of happiness.

Read More

2025-02-04 01:18