The Big Sick (2017)

The Big Sick is written by Kumail Nanjiani and his wife Emily V. Gordon and tells the story of how they met and fell in love. Their love story takes an unexpected turn when Emily (Zoe Kazan) ends up in the hospital in a medically induced coma as doctors try to figure out what is making her deathly ill.

The Big Sick has many wonderful aspects to it. As the screenwriters are telling their story, this film feels genuine. Yes, it is a romantic comedy and the formula remains true, but the personal aspect is what makes it stick out from other romantic comedies. Kumail and Emily endured cultural differences that they had to fight through. These very differences almost tore them apart, but it is nice to see them realize what truly matters. During the end credits, audiences are treated to pictures of Kumail and the "real Emily" which continues to add to the genuineness of the film.

It is interesting to get a glimpse into the struggles that Emily and Kumail went through as they began dating. At first, neither is truly interested in a relationship. They casually hookup, but the more time they spend together, the more they fall for each other. They become a couple and things are great at first, but their cultural differences begin to drive them apart. Emily's parents Terry (Ray Romano) and Beth (Holly Hunter) are okay with their daughter dating a muslim. Kumail's parents however want nothing more than for their son to marry a Pakistani woman.

For the majority of the film Emily is in a coma. She is admitted into the hospital shortly after she and Kumail break up as he reveals he can not be with her forever due to his family's beliefs. While she is in a coma, Kumail is able to realize what matters most to him. He also meets her parents and forms a good relationship with them.

Kumail Nanjiani does a good job, but of course he is essentially playing himself. He's charming and witty, but it is otherwise hard to measure this performance. Zoe Kazan plays her part well. She is sweet and in the more difficult moments you are able to see her struggle when making decisions. She and Nanjiani have great chemistry and play off of each other smoothly. Holly Hunter and Ray Romano also have great chemistry as Emily's parents. They are vulnerable, but funny.

The Big Sick is funny. It is also smart. Many times romantic comedies are dumbed down with the romance not being something you can root for and the comedy not being funny. More romantic comedies should be like this one. It is definitely worth checking out.