The Big Sick

The Big Sick

The Big Sick is a 2017 American romantic comedy film directed by Michael Showalter and written by Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani. The film stars Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, and Ray Romano, and follows the real-life romance between Nanjiani and Gordon. It explores the challenges they face when Kazan's character falls into a coma and cultural clashes arise from their Pakistani-American and American backgrounds.

Plot

The story revolves around Kumail (played by Nanjiani), a Pakistani-American stand-up comedian, who meets Emily (played by Kazan) after one of his performances. Despite their cultural differences, they begin a relationship. The relationship faces challenges, particularly from Kumail's traditional parents, who are keen on arranging a marriage for him with a Pakistani woman. The situation takes a dramatic turn when Emily contracts a mysterious illness and is placed in a medically induced coma. Kumail finds himself developing a bond with Emily's parents, Beth (played by Hunter) and Terry (played by Romano), as they navigate the complexities of their situation.

Production

The film is semi-autobiographical, based on the real-life courtship between Nanjiani and Gordon. The couple co-wrote the screenplay, which draws heavily from their own experiences of cultural conflict and Emily's serious illness. The production of The Big Sick was a collaborative effort, with Judd Apatow serving as a producer, bringing his signature blend of humor and depth to the project.

Reception

The Big Sick received critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its heartfelt storytelling, humor, and performances, particularly those of Nanjiani and Kazan. It was noted for its unique take on the romantic comedy genre, blending traditional elements with a more serious, real-life drama. The film was also commended for its thoughtful exploration of cross-cultural relationships and the immigrant experience in America.

The movie garnered several award nominations and wins, highlighting its screenplay, direction, and acting. It became a standout film of 2017, both commercially and critically, and contributed to ongoing discussions about diversity and representation in Hollywood.

Themes

The film explores several themes, including cross-cultural relationships, the immigrant experience in America, familial expectations, and the power of love and empathy in overcoming adversity. It also touches on the challenges of navigating one's identity in the face of traditional family values and the modern world.

Legacy

The Big Sick is considered an important film for its representation of South Asian characters in leading roles and its handling of complex themes with humor and sensitivity. It has been discussed in the context of its contribution to the genre of romantic comedies, as well as its role in promoting greater diversity in Hollywood storytelling.