Spoiler Alert (2022)
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2025-09 to 2026-08
A writer and a photographer navigate the complexities of a long-term relationship, facing personal insecurities, family secrets, and eventually, a terminal illness.
The story
In 2001, Michael Ausiello, a writer for TV Guide, meets photographer Kit Cowan at a gay nightclub in Manhattan. The two begin dating, navigating early relationship insecurities and the fear of long-term commitment. After Kit comes out to his parents, the couple moves into a townhouse together. However, as the years pass, their relationship faces significant strain due to Michael's alcoholism and suspicions of infidelity. Seeking to save their bond, they attempt to navigate their resentments while remaining committed to one another despite the growing complications in their personal lives.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 2001, Michael Ausiello meets photographer Kit Cowan in Manhattan. They begin dating, dealing with Michael's insecurities about his weight and Kit's past affair. They eventually move in together after Kit comes out to his parents. By 2013, their relationship deteriorates as Michael becomes an alcoholic and suspects Kit of cheating with a coworker. They separate briefly but remain together. In 2014, Kit is diagnosed with stage-4 neuroendocrine cancer. Michael supports him through treatment, and they marry the day after Kit confesses his fears and apologies for past mistakes. They spend their final Christmas together. As Kit nears death in 2015, Michael allows Kit's lover, Sebastian, to say goodbye. In his final moments, Michael fantasizes about interviewing Kit as a departing actor. After Kit's death, Michael prepares to move to Los Angeles, reflecting on the bravery of their journey together.
- First release year
- 2022
- Runtime (minutes)
- 112
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Michael Showalter
- Writers
- David Marshall Grant · screenplay; Dan Savage · screenplay
- Cast and characters
- Jim Parsons · Michael Ausiello; Ben Aldridge · Kit Cowan; Sally Field · Marilyn
- Genres
- romantic comedy-drama
- Themes
- LGBTQ+ identity; illness and mortality; commitment; alcoholism
- Tone and mood
- romantic; dramatic
- Premise and plot tags
- based on true events; memoir; cancer; gay romance
- Source material / true-story basis
- Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies by Michael Ausiello
- Reception
- The film received generally favorable reviews from critics, with a Metacritic score of 61 out of 100. Audience reception was also positive, with 91% of viewers on PostTrak giving it a positive score.
- Production trivia
- The film was produced starting in December 2018.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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