Kumail Nanjiani (played by Kumail Nanjaini) is an up-and-coming stand-up comedian who is looking for his big break. Being from Pakistan, and having very traditional parents, Kumail is expected to marry a woman of their choosing (and soon). Kumail, however, has different plans for himself as he has just met a woman, Emily (Zoe Kazan), who he has a strong connection with. One day Emily falls ill and is put in a medically-induced coma. Kumail is now forced to interact with Emily’s interesting parents, Terry (Ray Romano) and Beth (Holly Hunter). Their relationship will struggle, but Kumail will find that all things happen for a reason and that his life will never again be the same. The Big Sick entices audiences and invites them into a world of struggle and loss in a way like never before.
Kumail Nanjiani has made a name for himself in comedy circles and has found a way to reach audiences with a wide variety of approaches to humor. The Big Sick is no different, as Nanjiani finds ways to attract audiences with humor in some of the most difficult and depressing situations a person can imagine. He is brilliantly talented, endlessly funny and, to boot, a gifted writer. While The Big Sick is based on a true story, some of it is sure to be changed for Hollywood, leaving Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon with decisions to make on how to proceed when telling this particular story. I found myself on the edge of my seat waiting for the story to develop further and not so patiently awaiting Nanjiani’s next zinger. He, at no point, disappoints and I was impressed with what he continued to bring to the table.
At no point did I feel disconnected from the story or what was taking place. I was, however, afraid that when the film climaxed that all of the humor that audiences had come to love would immediately fly out the window. I was worried that Michael Showalter, Gordon and Nanjiani had outdone themselves early and that they would struggle to live up to the bar that they set throughout the second half of The Big Sick. I could not have been more wrong. The three perfectly encapsulate the heartbreak of the climax and the difficulties that come with these events (I know I am being incredibly cryptic, but I do not want to give too much away). Audiences are brought close to tears, yet, in the same breath, those viewers are provided a silver lining and are able to appreciate the little things in life and the humor of the film.
I am incredibly impressed with what Showalter, Nanjiani and Gordon are able to accomplish. The impeccable juxtaposition of humor and disaster finds its way into audiences’ hearts and minds. I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but I had hoped that Nanjiani would live up to the hype. He, in every way, does live up to that hype and does it in so many ways. He attacks audiences from so many angles and keeps them on their heels while they have a truly magnificent time. The Big Sick is a one-of-a-kind dramedy that is sure to please even the stingiest of audiences.
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