THE BIG SICK starring Silicon Valley’s Kumail Nanjiani is certain to a be Rom-Com classic.
About The Big Sick
THE BIG SICK tells the story of Pakistan-born aspiring comedian Kumail (Nanjiani), who connects with grad student Emily (Kazan) after one of his standup sets. However, what they thought would be just a one-night stand blossoms into the real thing, which complicates the life that is expected of Kumail by his traditional Muslim parents. When Emily is beset with a mystery illness, it forces Kumail to navigate the medical crisis with her parents, Beth and Terry (Holly Hunter and Ray Romano) who he’s never met, while dealing with the emotional tug-of-war between his family and his heart.
If you watch HBO’s Silicon Valley, you will recognize Kumail Nanjiani as the sad and forlorn geek in search of love. I am a big of fan of his deadpan humor, so I was so excited to find out about his movie The Big Sick based on the real-life courtship with writer Emily V. Gordon.
Given the synopsis, you are thinking how can this be a romantic comedy? I would actually say that it’s definitely a comedy but with moments of dramatic moments, yes a dramedy!!
What makes this movie stand out from other rom-com’s is that ta-dah it stars a Muslim-Pakistani man in the lead role. However, like all the men in Judd Apatow movies, he is a man-child, stumbling through life as a struggling comedian living with another comedian, hooking up with women he picks up after his comedy sets and basically not growing up.
What sets this movie apart is that we see his family’s attempts to arrange his marriage to another Pakistani woman. It’s a funny montage showing the family at dinner when all of sudden the doorbell rings and a young single Pakistani woman “just happens to be in the neighborhood.” Comedic gold.
Admittedly, it’s universal theme no matter your background. You will see the humor of the set up, the difference is that Pakistanis believe in arranged marriages. So imagine having to having to meet your potential spouse, impress each other and connect in 10 minutes. Yikes!.
The movie’s heart and much of the film focuses on when her parents (the perfectly cast Ray Romano and Holly Hunter) show up and it’s just the three of them dealing with Emily’s coma.
And I would be remiss in omitting that the movie handles the “anti -muslim/terrorist” sentiment with both humor and awkwardness.
Let’s face facts, we all come from dysfunctional families. You will love this movie like I did. Trust me, there is no crying in this movie, just lots of comedic moments that you will cherish. If you have a chance to see it in the theater, please do!
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Disclosure: NYC Single Mom was not compensated for this review.
This does look like a good movie and I’m looking forward to seeing it.
I know people can’t always go to the theatres but I so recommend it when it comes out on video.
Loved this movie!!!
So happy you are on the Big Sick train. I such a rom-com fan and this is such a wonderful movie.