The Big Sick - Movie Review

The Big Sick is a romantic comedy based on the real life relationship between comedian Kumail Nanjiani and his then-girlfriend, Emily (Zoe Kazan). The pair co-authored this screenplay based on the first year of their relationship. Of course, artistic liberties were taken to make this film more dramatic. But at its core, this story remains fairly close to the truth.

Kumail is a stand-up comedian still trying to make the cut. During one of his performances, he is heckled by a cute girl from North Carolina, Emily (Kazan). The two engage in a reluctant relationship with a two-day rule. Kumail won't date more than two days in a row. The subtext of this rule allows Kumail to have dinner with is family, where his mother (Zenobria Shroff) inevitably invites a young Pakistani girl to "drop by." The arranged marriage system is still alive and well in modern-day Chicago. Kumail keeps headshots of the girls in a keepsake box on his dresser. Not as trophies, but more as a habit. As his relationship with Emily becomes more serious, she discovers the photos and the reality that her relationship with Kumail could cause his family to disown them. Shortly after the pair break up, Emily ends up in the hospital in a medically induced coma. During the eight days of her coma, Kumail shows up regularly to check on her, growing close to her parents (Ray Romano, Holly Hunter). When Emily comes out of her coma, her feelings have not changed. But Kumail's family have still written him off. The resolution, as it is, is in the film. Watch it to see if/how things work out.

The Big Sick is a sweet story. Particularly since it is a true store at its core. The story combines an interesting blend of cultural differences and normal dating stresses along with some real-life drama to weave a tale. I think it is nice that the pair wrote the screenplay themselves. Even if Emily doesn't portray herself as Kumail does. The story is a bit sluggish at times. The pacing was the hardest part for me. The comedic elements were fairly well done. It was an interesting story, with only limited changes, which makes it more compelling. If the pacing were better, the film might be a must-see. I am not a big fan of romantic comedies, so this is a rare recommendation from me.

The Big Sick felt a bit long at two hours even. Ten minutes less may have fixed the pacing issues. The film deals with the potential for death, sexual situations, potty humor and language (mostly in the stand up comedy routines). It also deals mildly with racism. The combination of elements resulted in an R rating from the MPAA. I don't recall any actual nudity, but the adult situations would probably make for an uncomfortable awkwardness around younger viewers. But tweens, teens and above should be fine with this film. For the tweens, use your judgment on the exposure you want them to have.

I enjoyed The Big Sick. I did not go to see it at the theater because I generally avoid romantic comedies. Very seldom do they work for me. They are often sappy, hackneyed and predictable. Maybe the fact that this story is firmly rooted in a true story, it avoids many of those pitfalls. It was a bit sluggish, which caused me to be distracted at times. But overall, it was a worthwhile film with likable characters, an interesting perspective and sweet narrative. And the comedy elements were better than expected. It was imperfect, but for me, decent cinema. 7.5/10. It is currently free with Amazon Prime.