A dose of warmth
THE BIG SICK Direction: Michael Showalter Actor: Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan
There’s nothing quite like a witty and poignant romantic comedy. Based on their real-life love story, The Big Sick is incisively scripted by Pakistaniborn stand-up comedian Kumail Nanjiani in collaboration with his American producer wife Emily V. Gordon.
While Nanjiani plays himself, Zoe Kazan portrays the fictionalized version of his spouse.
Director Michael Showalter (Hello, My Name Is Doris) draws us into the couple’s complex lives from the get-go. The comedic first half builds upon a standard-issue meet-cute situation. As their relationship evolves, it’s clear the two seem to be made for each other.
But as with most romances, the course of true love is strewn with obstacles. Nanjiani keeps his affair with the white girl a secret from his orthodox parents (Zenobia Shroff-Anupam Kher), who are determined to get him married to a Muslim woman.
Another snag occurs when Emily slips into a medically-induced coma after being diagnosed with a life-threatening ailment. Nanjiani keeps vigil at her hospital bedside despite the polite objections of her parents (Holly Hunter-Ray Romano). The subsequent interactions between him and the older couple are priceless. Issues of the immigrant experience, clash of cultures and racism are confronted with nonjudgmental candour.