The Big Sick Review
By: Myla Tosatto, Movie Myla!
As Ray Romano’s awkward character Terry Gardner says, “Love isn’t easy”. True statement. What is even less easy is a love that is doomed for cultural reasons and then for health reasons. The Big Sick is a refreshingly honest and hilarious movie that is based on the true story of Kumail Nanjiani (Kumail) and his wife Emily V. Gordon (Zoe Kazan as Emily Gardner).
Kumail is a stand- up comedian in Chicago from a big, traditional Pakistani family, where cultural norms reign supreme. Most importantly, besides prayer, is arranged marriage. Our story begins when he meets Emily at the comedy club he performs in and the two quickly fall in love. Can they stay together when so many things are forcing them apart? How about when Emily becomes ill and is put into a medically induced coma? I will leave the answer to those questions for your viewing pleasure. Along the way, please enjoy the wonderfulness of Holly Hunt (Beth Gardner) and Ray Romano as Beth’s parents. It’s as much of a love story between them and Kumail is it is between Kumail and Beth.
This movie didn’t surprise me that Kumail Nanjiani could play a totally lovable leading man. I knew that he was a great comedic gem watching him weekly in Silicon Valley. What surprised me was that Michael Showalter directed this pearl. His productions are usually loud and busy (and hilarious). This one went for big belly laughs as well as little nuanced looks and soft spoken punch lines.
Now playing in theaters! Score some tickets on Fandango and get some reserved seats and selective theaters!
Pakistan-born comedian Kumail and grad student Emily fall in love but struggle as their cultures clash. When Emily contracts an illness, Kumail navigates the crisis with her parents and has an emotional tug-of-war between his family and his heart.