The Big Sick * * * *

The thing that really surprised me about The Big Sick was the ending credits where it was declared to be a true story.  You know those credits where they show the snapshots of the original characters?  It does that. But here’s the thing I couldn’t get over.  Normally when they make a feature film based on a true story, it’s because the true story is so amazing: like a family surviving a natural disaster, escaping from a terrible war zone, or getting caught up in some awful litigation.

Hey we got a sick review from Flip.

The Big Sick is not exactly an amazing story that needs to be told.   And yet, I guess it proves that it’s all in the telling...

Kumail is a young man of Pakistani background who wants to be a stand-up comedian.  To support himself he drives an Uber.  One night he meets Emily and the chemistry is fantastic. They fall for each other. But his parents are putting huge pressure on him to accept an arranged marriage. When she learns of this Emily realises they have no future and feels used by Kumail.  She leaves him but soon after falls very sick (no relation to the separation).

Though Emily is in a coma Kumail visits her daily and gets to know her parents. (Sounds hilarious right?).  But The Big Sick has some sharp and very funny dialogue, and presents characters that you can’t help but sympathise with.

It’s as much about Kumail getting to know Emily’s parents as it is about Kumail and Emily’s romance.  Although showing the value of family fidelity, it doesn’t hold back on reminding people that the practice of “arranged marriage” is hopelessly inappropriate in a new country.

The Big Sick is a pleasure to watch. One of the best (and most refreshing) romantic comedies I have seen in a long time.