It can be hard to get a bad health diagnosis. When it’s Stage 4 Cancer, a death sentence, it can hit like a ton of bricks. There are a lot of different responses to news like that, but it’s fair to say we’ve never seen a response like that of André Ricciardi.

In the new documentary André is an Idiot, he shares his story. And it begins with a simple, painful, and embarrassing truth. But what follows is something deeply personal and deeply emotional. It’s a profound story worth seeking out when it opens in theaters on Friday.

André never thought getting a colonoscopy was important. His friend asked him to go, but André blew him off. When he finally did go a year later, they discovered he had Stage 4 colon cancer that had spread to his liver. There was no coming back. Even though it is a treatable form of cancer, André’s delay in detection cost him his life.

Rather that wallowing in his pain and frustration, André decided to share his story. Armed with an incredible sense of humor and a chaotic energy. His history in advertising and content creation helped fuel him to tell his story and stay true to his character.

Over the course of a few years, we see as André receives treatment, connects with his family and friends, and tries to make a difference. Rather that wallowing in pity, he uses his story and his experience to help reach people and make a difference for others.

Documentaries, at their best, inform and reach you emotionally. That’s certainly the case with André is an Idiot, which moved me deeply. André’s story impacted me deeply, too. Like André I’ve been skeptical of the need to get a colonoscopy. I’m just about approaching that age and I’ve made some jokes about preferring the cancer to getting the procedure. This shook me out of that mindset.

Many people who went through what André went through would withdraw and hide from the world. And yet, he was brave enough to share his story. And he does it with such honesty and pathos. It’s an impactful and emotional experience. We walk with him through this process of more than three years.

It’s also quite a testament to his family, particularly his wife, who share their stories as well. Director Tony Benna captures it all in a vibrant and engaging way. I was deeply moved by the story and I think everyone that sees it will feel the same. This is well worth your time to seek out. And don’t be like André, get your preventative care.

André is an Idiot is now in limited release, expanding on Friday, March 20.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.