Available now on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download is the romantic comedy/drama The Big Sick.
The film stars Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, and Ray Romano. The film was written by Nanjiani and his wife Emily V. Gordon (played by Kazan in the film).
This is a good combination of romance, drama and comedy all rolled into one film.
Nanjiani stars as himself in this film. It’s based on his real life courtship with his now wife Gordon.
Nanjiani is a part time Uber driver who dreams of being a stand up comedian. He comes from a very traditional Pakistani family where his parents are interested in arranging a marriage for him, like they did for his brother. If anything they hope that he’ll marry a Pakistani woman.
One night at a show, Nanjiani is heckled by a young woman named Emily. After the show, Nanjiana approaches his heckler and they end up hitting it off.
Nanjiani and Emily continue to see each other. They don’t consider themselves as dating, per say, but it’s clear that they are really into one another. Meanwhile Nanjiani feels the pressure from his overly traditional parents to date (and marry) only a Muslim woman. He’s not sure if his family could ever accept Emily.
Their relationship is really put to the test when Emily gets sick and the doctors find it necessary to put her into an induced coma.
Nanjiani could have easily walked away at this point, but he didn’t. He really fell for Emily and continues to be by herself.
Emily’s parents fly to Chicago to also be with their daughter. That is when they meet Nanjiani. There are clearly cultural differences, and a few stereotypes are explored, but over all you can see that there is some kind of connection going on between all of them.
Will Emily ever come out of her coma? Will they find a cure for what has made her ill? And what of Nanjiani and Emily’s relationship? Will cultural differences and Nanjiani’s parents force them apart? To find out you need to pick up a copy of The Big Sick. Look for it where ever movies are sold.
Initially I wasn’t sure how I’d like this movie. It looked a bit too “serious” for me, even though it was being touted as a comedy. Oddly enough the film is funny, in an off-beat kind of way.
I mentioned earlier in this post that this is a romantic comedy and drama all rolled into one. Think it’s a good mix of all three genres.
I have seen Nanjiani before (I don’t remember where). It’s interesting that he’s portraying himself in a movie about his life. He’s a talented actor and I won’t be surprised if we see a lot more of him in the future.
I think the film makers did a great job at including issue with cultural differences and traditions without over doing it. It gives viewers a glimpse of what a Muslim man living in the United States might experience without getting very political about the issue.
The biggest take I got from this film is that love is love and that you cannot control who you fall in love with. Love doesn’t discriminate against different cultures, colors, economic status or anything else for that matter.
Overall I really enjoyed this film. My husband is referring to it as a “chick flick,” but I don’t necessarily agree with him. Yes, it’s a romantic comedy (don’t men enjoy those too?) but there is a lot more to it than that. And the main character is a man. There just isn’t any high speed car chances or death defying stunts.
If you are looking for a sweet date night film with you significant other, The Big Sick would be a great option.
There are some bonus features I would recommend checking out, most especially The Making of The Big Sick and The Real Story. They give you a better insight to the real life relationship between Nanjiani and Emily and it give you a better understanding and appreciation for the film.
Below is the film’s trailer for your enjoyment.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy to review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Mara says
I saw this movie and really enjoyed it!
Julie Wood says
I really like the story of this movie and I would love to see it and it sounds like it is a well written story about love and standing by the person when they get sick.
Elena says
Sounds like a good movie. I would like to see it
Cynthia R says
Looks like a smart funny cute movie. I would love to watch this soon.