STORYLINE: Facing an incurable diagnosis, two poet lovers embark on a poignant yet unexpectedly humorous exploration of love, mortality, and life’s moments.  (IMDb)

  All the arts have been well documented in a variety of documentaries.  Heart of Darkness: A Filmmakers Apocalypse (1991) documents the chaos it took to make the classic Apocalypse Now. Turn Every Page (2022) focuses on the art of writing novels, while the 2008 documentary The Wrecking Crew is a behind the scenes insight into recording studios.  Cutie and the Boxer (2013) turns it’s lens on the creative process of painting. The Oscar nominated documentary, Come See Me in the Good Light, has poets at the center of its focus. 

    Come See Me in the Good Light is a film with a tragic if it’s premise.  An individual, in their prime, receives a terminal diagnosis.  The film is not just tragic though. It is an appreciation of life.  Through the course of the film the audience gets to know the poet, and their partner, as the two make their way through the diagnosis with hope, optimism, and yes, a sense of humor.  

   Come See Me in the Good Light shows the ups and downs of what it is like to go through a terminal illness.  The documentary shows the perspective of both the patient and the caregiver.  The duel perspective, is a great way to document both of the central characters.

    There is more to the film then the struggles with illness. It is a beautiful love story.  The film is about creating art.  It’s about discovering who you are.  That sounds a bit on the sappy side, and at times this film is just that.  But it works well.

    Come See Me in the Good Light is an Oscar nominated documentary about the struggles with terminal illness. It features an in depth look at the lives of the poets, who are at the center of the film. 

    Until next time, I will see you at the movies!