Directed by Michael Showalter
Written by Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon
Starring Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan and Holly Hunter
‘A Hilarious Rom-Com’
Before I begin this review, I must admit that I’m not a fan of romantic comedies. Over the last few years, this genre has become rather predictable and formulaic. These films have always followed a formula: guy falls in love with girl, they breakup and eventually reunite in the end. It’s a formula that has appealed to movie-goers seeking pass-time entertainment. On the other hand, viewers looking for depth, meaning or a quality message have been left disappointed.
Although romantic comedies are not my cup of tea, “The Big Sick” is an exception. Michael Showalter’s latest film is a funny, heartfelt and insightful look at a cross-cultural romance. Instead of following beat-by-beat the formula of rom-coms, this smart film explores the way that culture affects relationships. Unlike other films in the genre, it works tremendously due to a sharp script and fantastic performances from the cast. Although “The Big Sick” has been billed as a romantic comedy, it’s actually so much more. It’s an in-depth look at the lives of Pakistani immigrants and their struggle to make it big in America.
Based on a true story, “The Big Sick” focuses on the relationship between two people from different cultural backgrounds. Kumail Nanjiani stars in the lead role as a Pakistani stand-up comedian living in America. When Kumail meets Emily at one of his shows, they soon fall in love. However, when Emily falls into a coma, Kumail is put in a difficult situation. He is forced to put aside his cultural differences and bond with his girlfriend’s parents.
It is not easy to bring a true story to the big-screen, but director Michael Showalter has done a splendid job. With “The Big Sick”, he has crafted an authentic film about a real-life romance. When I first heard of this film, I thought that it would be a typical romantic comedy. However, it surprisingly isn’t. Instead, it’s a film that tackles serious issues such as racism, arranged marriage and identity that are relevant in the world today. Despite its serious subject matter, “The Big Sick” is a funny film that is packed with laughs from start to finish.
In fact, to call “The Big Sick” a funny film may be an understatement. At times, it’s so hilarious that it leaves your jaw hurting from laughter. The screenplay has been written by a stand-up comedian and it certainly shows. The jokes are sharp, witty and comical. The humor in the film tackles many issues but particularly well-captured is the lifestyle of Pakistani immigrants. Whether it is arranged marriage or religion, the film captures the Pakistani lifestyle beautifully. If you’ve grown up in Pakistan or are familiar with that part of the world, you will find this film hilarious.
One of the main reasons why the film is so funny is because of the terrific performances from the cast. Every actor in the cast- from the supporting players to the charismatic leads- gets the opportunity to shine.
Kumail Nanjiani delivers one of the best performances of his career. Few actors in the world have the ability to play themselves in movies, but Nanjiani is one of them. A multi-talented performer, he is charismatic, comically sharp and utterly hilarious. Given that he is so talented, one wonders why he hasn’t gotten noticed in the industry. Hopefully, this star-making turn will gain him the recognition that he deserves.
The supporting cast is excellent and also worthy of recognition. Zoe Kazan is sweet, genuine and charming as Emily. Ray Romano and Holly Hunter, who play her bickering parents, are hilarious. Romano gets the funniest lines and steals many scenes as the father while Hunter brings gravitas to the role of the mother.
And who could forget about Anupam Kher? Despite his age, the legendary Bollywood actor has never been more graceful or charming.
That being said, “The Big Sick” is not a film without flaws. At a running time of 2 hours, the film is unnecessarily lengthy. Although I was never bored while watching the movie, I felt it dragged towards the end. The running time is slightly extended and this becomes evident in the film’s final hour.
Nevertheless, “The Big Sick” is one of the best romantic comedies in recent memory. Not only is it a breath of fresh air for the rom-com genre, but also one of the most original movies of the year. At a time when Hollywood seems to be running out of ideas, it is reassuring to be reminded that movies like “The Big Sick” are still getting made.
4.5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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