The Big Sick

The Big Sick

Starring Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, Ray Romano

Directed by Michael Showalter

The Story:
Kumail (Kumail Nanjiani) is a Pakistani comedian living in Chicago, trying to make ends meet by driving for Uber, when he's unintentionally heckled at a comedy club by Emily (Zoe Kazan).  The electricity between the two is immediately electric, and they begin a relationship - although neither one admits to it.  Kumail is hesitant because his parents are devout Muslims and want him to get involved in an arranged marriage with a good Pakistani girl, while Emily has issues with trust after a bitter divorce.

All this changes when Emily comes down with a potentially life-threatening illness, and Kumail meets her parents - the timid, humorous Terry (Ray Romano) and the tough, no-nonsense Beth (Holly Hunter).  As the three deal with Emily's illness in their own different ways, it slowly brings them together but also threatens to tear them apart, as Emily's life hangs in the balance.

The Synopsis:
Romantic comedies are not my cup of tea, mostly because they're a typical story of love that happens after a series of events that seem so typical you see it everywhere.  Calling "The Big Sick" a romantic comedy is accurate, but it's so much more.  It's a deep, profound melodrama featuring four amazing actors who electrify the screen and has you laughing - before gut punching you and turning your tears of laughter to tears of sadness, before going back to laughter again.  It's a profound story that speaks of love, loss, redemption, courage, and finding the best in everyone - and it's all true.

The film is the true story of how Kumail met his now-wife Emily, and the struggle they went through when she came down with a terrifying illness.  Written by the couple, the film is directed by Michael Showalter - who also directed "Hello My Name is Doris" - and features Kumail as himself in his first leading role.  He obviously performs with his heart, and it shows from start to finish as he struggles with maintaining a relationship with Emily while also trying not to let his family down - and having them disown him - for dating outside his religion.  He balances the tightrope in a way only a true tightrope walker can, yet you know it's all bound to come to a head eventually.  When it does, it's quite explosive in the quiet, simplistic ways. 

Kumail and Emily's relationship begins with both harboring deep issues with commitment, although Kumail is more prone to call themselves a couple.  Emily was married before, and isn't quick to call their relationship anything other than a chance encounter, but as the two spend more time together, you see the sparks flying between the two, and it's so organic that it doesn't feel force-fed or sappy. 

Yet Kumail has to keep the relationship a secret because of his overbearing parents, who want him to marry a Muslim Pakistani girl, and brings a different girl to their home every time Kumail goes there for dinner.  He doesn't love any of the girls they've chosen for him because he loves Emily, but can't tell his family because he's afraid they'll disown him for not being a perfect Muslim.  Again, it's a perfect blend of comedy and drama mixed so delicately it could've been prepared by one of the finest chefs in the world.  

When Emily contracts a deadly illness and is put in a medically induced coma, Kumail meets her parents for the first time, and another batch of fireworks is set to dazzle the viewers like the most beautiful Fourth of July celebration.  The two had a falling out before Emily went under, and she told her overprotective mother about it.  When Beth and Terry first arrive on scene, Beth is obviously wary of Kumail and keeps him at a distance, while Terry is more forgiving and welcoming.  Holly Hunter and Ray Romano are at their best here, both of them producing phenomenal performances that need to be heralded come awards time, but unfortunately will probably go unnoticed. Holly Hunter's Beth is a spitfire, a woman who's highly guarded of Kumail and showcases a steely resolve, but as she learns to deal with what's happening to Emily, you see her facade slowly crack and see her vulnerability.  Ray Romano plays Terry very close to the vest, a man who uses humor as a defense mechanism, and you can see a rift between the two, while they try to maintain a united front for Emily. 

Their relationship with Kumail is like a whole new romantic relationship budding in front of us, but not in a gross way.  It's like Kumail is falling in love with Emily even more just spending time with her parents, and they slowly warm up to Kumail in the process, and it's truly touching to see.  Watching them on screen is like viewing a masterclass in acting, three professionals who leave it all on the stage and moves you to your very core.  It's a rare thing to see in film nowadays, and that's what makes "The Big Sick" such a special anomaly. It's beautiful, yet also heartbreaking.  It perfectly sets you up for the big emotional feels as you find yourself laughing at the situations before the anvil drops, and you're left speechless. 

The Summary:
Blending a powerful, true-life story with a superior script, excellent directing and masterclass performances make "The Big Sick" a rare film that hits perfectly on all cylinders, and leaves a lasting impact on the viewer long after it ends.

The Score: A+