Andrea Gibson’s Journey Through Cancer Captured in New Documentary

Poet Andrea Gibson and their wife, Megan Falley, have spent three years navigating the challenges of ovarian cancer, embracing life in a way that has puzzled those around them. Despite facing a terminal diagnosis, the couple has found joy in their relationship, as Falley explains, “We were dancing through Andrea’s diagnosis, singing more and laughing more, and more in love and happier than we had ever been.” Their unique perspective on life and death has been documented in a new film, Come See Me in the Good Light, directed by award-winning filmmaker Ryan White.

The idea for this documentary emerged when a close friend suggested capturing their experience. White, known for his work with notable figures such as Pamela Anderson and Dr. Ruth Westheimer, traveled to rural Colorado in 2023 with producing partner Jessica Hargrave. Upon arrival, Gibson greeted them with dark humor, saying, “I guess you’re going to be here with me when I die. Welcome to my home.” This blend of humor and intimacy characterizes the film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won the festival favorite award.

In an interview, Falley reflected on the comfort of being home surrounded by Gibson’s possessions. A neon sign in their living room reads “Stay tender,” a mantra that resonates throughout the documentary. Despite the challenges of cancer, the couple remains committed to living fully. Gibson articulates this sentiment, saying, “You don’t want to waste a second — and I was wasting a lot of seconds [before].”

Their determination to find gratitude and joy amid adversity is evident in the film, which chronicles both extraordinary and mundane moments. White captured a year’s worth of footage, distilling thousands of hours into a poignant narrative. Falley finds solace in knowing they have a comprehensive record of their love, stating, “Everybody loses people — not everybody gets to have thousands of hours of their love documented.”

The documentary does not conclude with Gibson’s death. Instead, Gibson exceeded their initial prognosis and had the opportunity to view the film with an audience before their passing in July 2023, at the age of 49, surrounded by loved ones. In the final moments of Gibson’s life, Falley wished for a last conversation to ask, “How will you visit me?” She was met with a recorded love song featuring lyrics that Gibson had written, a poignant gesture that provided some comfort.

Adjusting to life after Gibson’s death, Falley recalls her emotional response to watching the documentary alone for the first time. “I was just weeping the whole way through,” she shares, expressing a longing to connect with Gibson as she viewed their shared moments on screen. The film serves as a catalyst for meaningful conversations about loss, with audiences sharing their own experiences after screenings.

Falley’s encounter with author Elizabeth Gilbert, who has navigated similar grief, underscores the film’s impact. Gilbert’s memoir, All the Way to the River, details her journey of losing a partner to cancer and the profound moments of joy and spirituality that accompanied that experience. Following a recent screening, Gilbert expressed her happiness for the couple, stating, “I am so happy for you both.” This connection illustrates the film’s ability to resonate deeply with viewers, fostering a space for reflection on love and loss.

As Come See Me in the Good Light streams on Apple TV+, it invites audiences to witness a love story that transcends the boundaries of life and death, encouraging viewers to embrace tenderness and joy in the face of adversity.