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The Big Sick: The Rom-Com Hit of the Summer
by Sandra Olmsted
The Big Sick may just be the little film that can rock the box office amidst the blockbusters of summer, just like Ghost did in 1990. Although the dinner scenes are very similar to those in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, this culture clash comedy has plenty of its own charm, pathos, wit, and twists, making The Big Sick the surprise of the summer.
While performing his stand-up routine, Kumail (comedian Kumail Nanjiani as himself) gets “heckled” by Emily (Zoe Kazan), a grad student. After a conversation at the comedy club’s bar, Kumail, who is also an Uber driver, later coincidentally picks Emily up for a ride. Soon Emily and Kumail are dating and falling in love. While they keep saying they shouldn’t see each other, they are clearly attracted to each other.
Meanwhile, Kumail endures his father Azmat (Anupam Kher) and mother Sharmeen (Zenobia Shroff) setting him up with a different girl whenever he’s home for dinner. While similar to what Nia Vardalos’ character experienced in Greek Wedding, some of the women that Sharmeen chooses are very appealing. Kumail also receives a headshot and “resume” from each “potential wife.” As the most Americanized of his family, he objects to the “rules,” especially disowning a cousin who married outside Pakistani community.
When her parents, Beth (Holly Hunter) and Terry (Ray Romano), visit Chicago, Emily wants Kumail to meet them, which leads to an argument about whether he is being honest with Emily, himself, and his family. Emily breaks up with Kumail. Kumail also has a big opportunity looming when a prestigious stand-up scout comes to the club.
Out of the blue, Emily’s best friend, Jesse (Rebecca Naomi Jones), calls Kamail because Emily is in the hospital and, since it is the eve of final exams, one of Emily’s college friends can be there for her. When Kumail arrives at the hospital, Emily rejects him. Then, he learns that Emily’s condition is very serious, and he must make medical decisions and call her parents.
Despite Beth and Terry’s objections, Kumail keeps showing up to sit by Emily’s bedside while she’s in a medically induced coma. Will Kumail win her hostile parents over? Will he tell his family the truth? Will Emily accept him when and if she wakes up?
The Big Sick, a delicious romp, answers all these questions and more. Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordan wrote The Big Sick based on their romance, and Michael Showalter directs the film with a sublimely light touch. The film smoothly transitions between humor and pathos while delivering plenty of laughs and surprises.
The Big Sick, a Lionsgate release, runs a fast-paced 120 minutes and is rated R for language including some sexual references. A surprise hit of the summer, like Ghost and My Big Fat Greek Wedding were, The Big Sick, which opened in St. Louis July 7, has built box office and screens every week. The “little” gem is not to be missed!
