The Big Sick Movie Review (2017)
One of my very favorite romantic comedies, The Big Sick is a movie that you can watch over and over. It’s funny, it’s clever, and it may have fallen below the radar, so add it to your list!
The Big Sick is one of those movies that struck me deeply the first time I watched it and I became immediately attached. A film where you slowly fall in love with all of the characters is rare, but this is one of those times!
The Big Sick is the semi-autobiographical story of Kumail, a Pakistani man who does stand-up comedy and is negotiating the expectations of arranged marriage with his well-meaning and traditional parents. When Kumail meets Emily, a peppy white girl who his parents would never approve of, he tries to figure out how to make things work. With a sudden illness that renders Emily in a coma, Kumail spends a lot of time with her quirky and loving parents while the doctors try to figure out what is slowly killing her.
I cannot say enough about this film. I love it. It is charming, it is hilarious, it is sarcastic, it is witty, and you get some of the best one-liners ever in moments where you truly don’t expect them.
Written by Kumail Nanjiani and his real-life wife Emily, who went through very similar events that you see on screen, The Big Sick is one of those unique films that you can’t quite compare with any others. Everyone is trying to navigate their situation with the best of intentions, even if they are making mistakes along the way. There is no bad guy, which is refreshing and adds a lightness that you don’t often find.
All of the actors are excellent. Holly Hunter and Ray Romano (as Emily’s parents) have a weird and hilarious dynamic that makes you enjoy them so very much. Kumail is humble and endearing, but with a glint in his eye, and Zoe Kazan as Emily is quirky and lovable. You’ll also see small appearances by comedians like Bo Burnham, Aidy Bryant, and David Alan Grier.
This is one of those movies that will make you laugh, make you cry, make you emotional, and ultimately, not want it to end. And that is why I’ve watched it again and again.
Runtime: 119 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: PG-13
Languages Spoken In The Film: English and Urdu with English subtitles
Should You Watch It? Yes, for sure. It’s one of my very favorites
Did I Cry? Yep, I can’t help myself!
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
Available: Free on Prime Video or may be available on other streaming platforms
