Andrea Gibson’s ‘Come See Me in the Good Light’: Sundance Review & Interview

The power of Andrea Gibson’s poetry lies in a radical vulnerability – the ability to hold heartbreak and hope in a single line. That same honesty permeates Come See Me in the Good Light, a new documentary that debuted at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and offers an intimate portrait of the poet and activist as they navigate a terminal cancer diagnosis alongside their wife, fellow poet Megan Falley. The film, directed by Ryan White, isn’t simply about death; it’s about what it means to truly live, and it does so with a surprising amount of humor and grace.

A Rapidly Approaching Premiere, Driven by Urgency

The film’s journey to the screen was remarkably swift, a fact underscored by Gibson themselves during the post-premiere Q&A. Typically, documentaries take years to complete, but Come See Me in the Good Light was finished in just one year. As Gibson explained, the accelerated timeline was driven by a desire to ensure they would be able to see the finished product. This urgency, producer Tig Notaro revealed, was met with immediate support from unexpected corners. Notaro recounted receiving a half-million-dollar commitment from Abby Wambach and Glenn Doyle within an hour of making a late-night phone call, demonstrating the widespread desire to bring Gibson and Falley’s story to life.

Gibson’s Life, Art, and the Weight of Mortality

Andrea Gibson, based in Colorado, has built a career on unflinching self-expression, performing spoken word and publishing poetry that delves into deeply personal experiences. The documentary draws on this existing body of work, featuring readings of poems like “Tincture,” which expresses a longing for time lost, and “My Emotional Bucket List,” a tender reflection on the tiny moments that define a life – from tipping a barista to cleaning the garage, and sharing every secret. IMDb lists Megan Falley and Andrea Gibson as starring in the film, alongside Tig Notaro.

Ryan White’s Approach and a Community of Support

Director Ryan White, known for his previous Sundance documentaries Ask Dr. Ruth (2019) and Assassins (2020), brings a universal quality to the story. The film’s emotional core is amplified by the support of executive producers Brandi Carlile and Sara Bareilles, who too contributed an original song, “Salt Then Sour Then Sweet.” White’s previous work, including Pamela, A Love Story, resonated with Falley, who explained during the Q&A that she and Gibson had been “obsessed” with it. After years of navigating the cancer journey privately, they sought a sense of community, and White’s team offered precisely that. White himself described the past year of filming as “the most joyful, fun, and funny year of maybe my life in totality,” attributing this to the spirit of Gibson and Falley.

Beyond Diagnosis: A Celebration of Life and Love

The documentary doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of Gibson’s diagnosis. Initially given two years to live, Gibson underwent chemotherapy and a hysterectomy, only to face a recurrence of the cancer. However, Come See Me in the Good Light doesn’t dwell on despair. Instead, it focuses on Gibson’s determination to live fully, embracing joy, tenderness, and the profound connection with Falley. The film also shines a light on Falley’s strength and grace as she navigates the impossible task of balancing grief with presence. As Gibson poignantly states in the film, “If I die, Meg’s really going to need me to support her through those feelings. I can’t stand the idea of not being there for her through that.” This blend of dark humor and raw emotion is what sets the documentary apart.

A Year in the Making, and a Story Worth Telling

The film offers an intimate look into the couple’s lives, from doctor’s appointments and test results to Gibson’s consideration of returning to the stage for their first live performance in four years. Through it all, Come See Me in the Good Light underscores the enduring power of love and art to provide meaning, even in the face of unimaginable challenges. The documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2025, and went on to win the Festival Favorite Award. It was also included on the National Board of Review Top 5 Documentaries of 2025 and has received several awards and nominations, including consideration for the Academy Awards, Satellite Awards and Film Independent Spirit Awards.

Distribution and Availability

Come See Me in the Good Light was released on Apple TV+ on November 14, 2025, making it accessible to a wide audience. Amplify Pictures and Tripod Media served as production companies. The film runs for 104 minutes and is presented in English.

As Andrea Gibson noted, the film’s completion felt like a small miracle, given the circumstances. Come See Me in the Good Light is more than just a documentary about dying; it’s a testament to the power of living, loving, and finding beauty in the face of adversity. It’s a film that invites viewers to reflect on their own lives and appreciate the preciousness of each moment.