Celebrating Life: Andrea Gibson’s Story Captured in New Documentary

Andrea Gibson, a poet who has been bravely battling ovarian cancer for three years, has inspired a new documentary titled Come See Me in the Good Light. The film chronicles the journey of Gibson and their partner, Megan Falley, as they navigate the complexities of life and love in the face of terminal illness. The documentary, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, has since been made available for streaming on Apple TV+.

In conversations about their experience, Falley revealed the couple’s efforts to communicate the joy they found even during challenging times. “We had tried as writers, and in some ways failed, to communicate with our close friends and family what a beautiful time we were having,” she said. This sentiment reflects their determination to continue living fully despite the looming presence of cancer.

Shortly after the couple’s story gained traction, they were approached by filmmaker Ryan White, known for his work with notable figures such as Pamela Anderson and Dr. Ruth Westheimer. White and his producing partner, Jessica Hargrave, traveled to rural Colorado in 2023 to document their lives. Upon their arrival, Gibson greeted them with a mix of dark humor and warmth, stating, “I guess you’re going to be here with me when I die. Welcome to my home.”

Documenting Ordinary Moments Amid Extraordinary Circumstances

The documentary captures both the extraordinary and mundane moments of Gibson’s life. Falley emphasizes the importance of these “average days,” saying, “I know that I will see things that I don’t remember happening, which is such a privilege.” Over the course of a year, White filmed thousands of hours, distilling them into a poignant narrative that resonates with audiences.

Gibson’s poetry often reflects their experience with illness. In a piece titled Tincture, they write about the yearning for another day, illustrating the universal desire for more time. The film serves as a testament to their resilience and ability to find joy. As Gibson articulated, “You don’t want to waste a second — and I was wasting a lot of seconds [before].”

In July 2023, Gibson passed away at the age of 49, surrounded by loved ones. Falley recounted the difficulty of losing the ability to communicate in the final hours of Gibson’s life. “That was really hard for me because I wanted a final conversation to ask: ‘How will you visit me?’,” she reflected. Despite this loss, Falley found solace in a song written by a friend, featuring lyrics by Gibson that offered a connection beyond their physical absence.

A Journey of Grief and Healing Through Film

Since Gibson’s passing, Falley has navigated her grief, often watching the documentary alone. “The first time I saw it without Andrea, earthside, let’s call it, I was just weeping the whole way through,” she shared. The film has sparked conversations about loss and memory among viewers, creating a space for shared experiences of grief.

Falley noted that many attendees at screenings have approached her to share their own stories of loss. One such individual was writer Elizabeth Gilbert, who expressed her understanding of Falley’s journey. “Liz said something really beautiful to me, which was: ‘I am so happy for you both’,” Falley recalled, highlighting the profound connections that arise from shared experiences of grief.

The documentary Come See Me in the Good Light not only honors Gibson’s legacy but also invites audiences to reflect on the importance of love, laughter, and living fully in the face of adversity. It illustrates how the bond between two people can transcend even the most challenging circumstances, creating a narrative that resonates deeply with viewers.