Directed by: Michael Showalter.
Starring: Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Ray Romano, Holly Hunter.

Produced by Judd Apatow, The Big Sick follows trying comedian, Kumail (Kumail Nanjiani) as he falls in love with Emily (Zoe Kazan). When Emily suddenly falls seriously ill, Kumail bonds with Emily's parents against his parents desires to be with a Pakistani woman of same faith.

Expected to break the barriers of interracial relationships, The Big Sick merely touches upon it. With hopes to portray the difficulties of understanding each other's cultures, combine them into one and discussing how each other's families handles the relationship, the film rather provides a one dimensional perspective. We do not see how the family handles meeting Emily or if they ever do, we simply see that Kumail wants to be with a white woman and his family kicks him out for doing so and for this to be the message that it sends out to viewers is harmful. Some are claiming this film to be politically charged which is an overstatement to say the least. Whilst it the ability to dive deeper, the film is simply a small look into the world of interracial relationships.



Based on Nanjiani's real relationship with wife Emily Gordon, the couple did manage to create a heartwarming story about how if you really love someone, you will do anything for them. Filled with comedy, Nanjiani managed to truly incorporate his sense of humour. While the actual comedians jokes fell flat, Nanjiani's character added the intentional sarcastic jokes which combined with Romanos awkward presence made the perfect rom-com.

Kazan, as always, put on a wonderful performance as 'indie rom-com queen everyone falls in love with'. She managed to match Nanjiani's humour adequately and bring her character to life through a honest and relatable portrayal of Nanjiani's girlfriend. Nanjiani's role as himself was also noticeably good as he brought a sense of familiarity to the screen which enticed you further.

Perhaps paving the way for the future of film to be more inclusive of other cultures and stories especially with regards to South Asian representation, The Big Sick had the premise and the platform to make a statement and do something great but only managed to do something good not creating anything memorable.