“Ice Man!” That’s what every pilot on every flight calls Val Kilmer, who played the iconic character of the same name in Top Gun. The fighter pilot he brought to life was known for stone cold, focused expressions. That makes the vulnerability he showed in his recent biopic even more striking.

The documentary alternates between scenes from home movies taken in his younger years with current day life as a throat cancer survivor who can only speak by using an AI-powered device. Most of the movie is narrated by his son.

Kilmer now travels the world visiting fans at events like the drive-in showing of Tombstone he attended in Texas. He says that he knows fans come because of who he used to be, which could be humiliating. But instead, it makes him grateful that they appreciate him and his work enough to come out to the event.

When King David left Jerusalem, fleeing Absalom, he was humbled and urged his followers to stay behind. Perhaps he felt like Kilmer: that they were following him because of who he used to be. Shimei mocked him as he left and blamed him for the event that had overtaken him. Upon his return, Shimei attempted to make amends, but David never forgot how he treated him when he was down.

What can we take away?

Kilmer’s story is a reminder to be aware of moments when people are at their lowest point. That is when they most need to hear that they are valuable and appreciated for who they are, regardless of their circumstances. When they rise again from the ashes, they will remember.