'The Big Sick' A Review

The Big Sick is a romantic comedy/drama based on the real life courtship of Kumail Nanjiani(playing himself) and Emily Gordon(played by Zoe Kazan). Kumail, a struggling stand-up comic, and Emily, a psychology grad student, meet at a show and develop a cautious relationship as both of them profess not to be interested in being in one. The two become closer but cultural differences abruptly end the relationship before it began. A short time later Kumail gets a call that Emily is in the hospital suffering from an undiagnosed illness which thrusts him back into her life.

Both Kazan and Nanijiani are grounded, empathetic, and funny. They have great chemistry and have a dramatic authenticity that is effecting yet doesn't sacrifice any comedy. The real stand out performances are by Holly Hunter and Ray Romano as Emily's parents. Hunter is incredibly compelling, nothing new for her, but it is the meatiest role she's had in some time. Romano is stunning in his range, we see a side of him we've never before, pathetic yet loving, almost tortured and more genuinely funny than he's ever been. Nanijiani's parents played by Zenobia Shroff and Anupam Kher aren't given as much screen time or as much to do but are still good and have a nice small turn towards the end which is played wonderfully. Nanijiani's brother played by Abdeel Akhtar is great and a good foil for Nanijani's family's perspective, given more screen time he's more a fully flushed out character than the parents.

As a Chicago resident the only criticism I have of the film is that it supposedly takes place here however is clearly filmed in New York. Row houses and garbage in the streets are a dead give away. Other than that the film is incredibly balanced and relatable. It's a successful romance, comedy, and drama. All genres are woven together and none of them dropped. It portrays the seriousness of the illness and it's fall out realistically but also maintains an authentic vein of comedy throughout. We see both the leads evolve and fall in love but each on their own timeline. It addresses cultural differences in a refreshing and unique way. Above all it's really funny and refreshing to have a movie with serious subject matter portray that like it happens in real life, people making jokes and eating despite the possibility of tragedy.

An affirming, funny, distinct love story.

Don't Miss It.