The Big Sick

Parental Rating: R

Contains: Language    Adult Content    

Jill's Review

Opens June 30, 2017

Runs 119 minutes

Kumail (Kumail Nanjiani) is a Pakistani Muslim who has lived in the United States since he was fourteen. After college, he decides to be a stand-up comedian, much to his parent's chagrin. They were hoping Doctor or Lawyer. Each week, he has dinner with his family and his Mother introduces him to a new, single Pakistani girl who just happens to be in the neighborhood. Afterall, good Pakistani sons marry good Pakistani girls. Only, unbeknownst to his parents, Kumail meets Emily (Zoe Kazan), a cute, sweet, funny, white girl in graduate school. They both agree that they don't have time for a relationship. But, they are perfect for each other. Cultural differences drive them apart and then, Emily gets really sick, the BIG SiCK. She is put into an induced coma and Kumail must call in her parents Terry (Ray Romano) and Beth (Holly Hunter). They aren't too fond of Kumail since he broke up with their daughter. And, he can't rely on his parents since they don't even know he is dating a white girl. He stays at the hospital, eventually bonding with Emily's folks and realizing that he was in love with Emily all along. Will she feel the same way when she wakes up? And, will his parents ever forgive him?

I loved this film. It was co-written by real life couple Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon and based on their own courtship. It is so funny. You leave the theatre happy and smiling. I loved the portrayal of Kumail's close-knit family and his Mother's one wish - that he be a good Pakistani Muslim and agree to his arranged marriage. Oops. The parade of girls that his Mother drags to dinner is hilarious. And, Ray Romano and Holly Hunter were perfect as Emily's parents. They couldn't care less about Kumail being Pakistani, they just hated that he broke up with their daughter and caused her pain. Perfect casting. Kumail's comedian friends were great, too. The movie has serious moments - Emily does end up in a coma. And, their cultural differences are definitely pretty big. But, through it all, they seem perfect for each other. It just took them a little while to get over all of the obstacles. Great little indie film. Find it and see it!!

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