The Big Sick (2017) Written by: Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani Directed by: Michael Showalter

   

     I think I must really be getting old. Why else would I find myself sitting here writing such a positive review about a chick flick? Maybe it's because it was a true story written by the actual couple, Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon? Maybe it's because of the loving banter between the two? I think it's because neither was afraid to show their real emotion and vulnerability.

     The film follows Kumail, playing himself, as he stumbles across Emily, played by the very underrated and beautiful Zoe Kazan. Kumail is a stand-up comic just starting out while trying to adjust to his Pakistani family trying to arrange a marriage for him. Shortly after meeting Emily, she comes down with a severe illness that causes doctor to put her into a drug-induced coma.

     The film is about two people falling in love while everything is trying to keep them apart. Unexpected, life threatening health issues, over bearing parents, true feelings, and struggling careers all wanting to work against them; still they manage to make it persevere and find love in each other. Both the writing team, and the acting team really portray that beautifully.

     Kumail is put into an awkward situation having to meet Emily's parents (Ray Romano and Holly Hunter), as their daughter is thrust into this dangerous, life altering predicament. Although they do not come off as racists,Emily's parents do seem a bit taken a back with Kumail's background. This spurs one of the most hilarious exchanges I've heard in recent film history!

Terry(Romano): "What do you think about 9/11?"
Kumail: "Terrible. We lost 19 of our best guys!"

     It's those kinds of things that you can get away with in these type of enduring indie films that would never fly in big budget features. And that is exactly what I love about indie film. Indies aren't afraid to tell an in-depth story, or really build characters. The Big Sick does both excellently. While I've always like Kumail on HBO's Silicon Valley, I found this role so much more gratifying. He is an excellent comedian, with great timing. And Zoe Kazan is wonderfully awkward and seductive in a very nerdy way. This movie was really good. I would recommend this for anyone 12 and older. Have fun!