Ryan White’s “Come See Me In The Good Light” Illuminates Queer Love and Mortality in Poetic New Documentary, Coming to Apple TV+ November 14

On November 14, Apple TV+ will debut “Come See Me In The Good Light,” a documentary directed by Ryan White that traces the heart-wrenching and affirming journey of poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley as they navigate Gibson’s diagnosis of terminal ovarian cancer. The film, which won the Festival Favorite Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, stands apart for its unflinching yet tender portrayal of queer love, art, and mortality, offering viewers a rare window into the lived experience of LGBTQ+ individuals confronting life’s most difficult moments .

Andrea Gibson, Colorado’s poet laureate, is widely celebrated for their evocative spoken word performances and activism within the LGBTQ+ community. Gibson’s partner, Megan Falley, is also a renowned poet and author, and together, their creative partnership has produced work marked by vulnerability, humor, and deep empathy . When Gibson was diagnosed with an incurable form of ovarian cancer, their lives—and art—were irrevocably changed.

The documentary draws viewers into the intimate world of Gibson and Falley—not only capturing hospital visits, treatments, and moments of uncertainty, but also the everyday poetry of shared meals, laughter, and late-night conversations. White’s direction foregrounds the couple’s resilience and unwavering bond, using Gibson’s poetry as both narrative backbone and emotional touchstone throughout the film .

“Come See Me In The Good Light” is not only a chronicle of illness; it is also a celebration of art’s power to heal, sustain, and connect. As Gibson works toward performing a final spoken word show, even as treatments threaten to silence their voice, the film reveals how poetry becomes a lifeline for both Gibson and Falley. Their creative process—writing, reciting, and sharing work—serves as an anchor amid the uncertainty of Gibson’s prognosis .

The documentary interlaces Gibson’s poems throughout, allowing viewers to experience the rawness and humor that define their artistry. The couple’s home, their dogs, and the shifting light of different days become visual metaphors for hope, gratitude, and the reality of impending loss. In interviews, Gibson and Falley reflect on how living with illness reshapes their understanding of love, community, and the simple joys of daily life .

Premiering at Sundance in January 2025, “Come See Me In The Good Light” received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and artistry, going on to win multiple audience awards at festivals including Sundance, Cleveland International, Boulder International, and Hot Docs . The film’s reception underscores its resonance not only with LGBTQ+ viewers but with anyone who has experienced love, loss, or the healing power of art.

Executive producers Sara Bareilles and Brandi Carlile, both vocal LGBTQ+ allies, contributed original music to the film, including the co-written song “Salt Then Sour Then Sweet,” further enhancing the documentary’s emotional impact . The involvement of artists like Tig Notaro and Glennon Doyle, who have long championed LGBTQ+ visibility and mental health, brings additional layers of community support and affirmation .

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently boasts a 100% approval rating from critics, with reviewers highlighting its capacity to balance heartbreak and humor, and its refusal to let illness overshadow the enduring light of love .

In an era where LGBTQ+ stories are still too often marginalized, “Come See Me In The Good Light” offers vital representation through its focus on queer love, chosen family, and the complexities of living authentically in the face of adversity. By centering the voices of Gibson and Falley—both nonbinary and queer—the documentary challenges viewers to expand their understanding of what love can look like, and how queer communities mobilize care and support during times of crisis .

Through its candid depiction of daily life, the film explores the intersections of chronic illness, mental health, and LGBTQ+ identity. Gibson and Falley’s willingness to share the vulnerability of their journey—fears, setbacks, and moments of joy—provides affirmation to viewers who may themselves be navigating similar experiences. The documentary’s reach extends beyond entertainment; it acts as an outreach tool, fostering dialogue about queer health disparities, the importance of visibility, and the healing power of community .

Andrea Gibson passed away on July 14, 2025, after attending the Sundance premiere of the film, leaving behind a legacy of activism, artistry, and radical love . Their final months, as captured by White’s lens, are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for love to endure even in the most difficult circumstances.

“Come See Me In The Good Light” stands as a luminous addition to the canon of LGBTQ+ cinema, inviting audiences to witness not only the pain of loss but also the profound beauty of living authentically. As viewers prepare for the Apple TV+ release, the film promises to inspire, challenge, and affirm all those who watch—reminding us, in Gibson’s words, “to come see each other in the good light.”