The film’s refusal to be your typical straightforward rom-com is evident again in how it resolves the different relationships in the end... because if there is one thing that the characters in this movie shares, it’s their refusal to give up on one another.
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At first glance, The Big Sick might get lost among other louder, flashier releases at the theatre but it definitely deserves as much attention if not more. It’s funny, witty and smart, but what is most special about The Big Sick is its raw honesty, its refusal to make things easy and palatable to the audience.
Written by Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon based on their real-life story, The Big Sick revolves around up-and-coming comedian and Uber driver Kumail, played by Nanjiani himself, and Emily (Zoe Kazan), a grad student. The two first meet when Emily is in the audience of one of Kumail’s stand-up shows. Unlike the push-and-pull romantic tension that drags on in a lot of romcoms, Kumail and Emily hit it off right away. Nanjiani and Kazan’s chemistry is so palpable and natural that even though Emily insists she doesn’t have time for a relationship, the audience just knows that them getting together is only a matter of time.
As Kumail and Emily’s relationship blossoms, his cultural background becomes a problem. His mother (Zenobia Shroff) tries to set him up with numerous Pakistani women in hopes of him settling down with one in an arranged marriage. When Emily finds out that Kumail has been keeping this secret from her, things get rocky between them. Yet, the film never vilifies Kumail’s family and oversimplifies the tension between culture and personal freedom, which makes it such a refreshing take on the issue.
The major turning point of the film comes when Emily is hospitalized due to a mysterious illness and Kumail has to meet her parents in the most difficult circumstance possible. Ray Romano and Holly Hunter are superb as Emily’s parents. They aren’t just your stereotypical white parents, there to give Kumail a tough time for his ethnic background. They have their own story and issues to work out. Their interactions with Kumail go from being uncomfortably awkward to heartwarming, all while remaining funny and real (featuring one of the best 9/11 jokes you’ll ever hear).
The film’s refusal to be your typical straightforward romcom is evident again in how it resolves the different relationships in the end. Kumail and Emily don’t immediately get back together after she recovers. Kumail’s mother still refuses to talk to him. But somehow we know things are going to be fine. Because if there is one thing that the characters in this movie shares, it’s their refusal to give up on one another.
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