The Big Sick

This is a romantic comedy like no other. Yes, two people fall in love in it, but that’s about all it has in common with the average romantic comedy. This film is an amazing beast off in its own rom-com category. Let’s just call it a rom-coma comedy. Real-life couple Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley) and Emily V. Gordon penned the script based on their own courtship. Nanjiani plays himself while the eternally awesome Zoe Kazan (Ruby Sparks) steps into the role of Emily. After a brief relationship, Kumail and Emily break up. A rare illness places Emily in the hospital, which results in Kumail not only coming back into her life, but dealing with her parents (Ray Romano and Holly Hunter), who feel slightly awkward around the guy who recently broke up with their daughter. Their story is incredible, and the way it is presented here, by a fine ensemble under the direction of the great Michael Showalter (Hello, My Name is Doris; Wet Hot American Summer) stands as one of the year’s best films. All the above mentioned actors are legitimate Oscar contenders, as is Showalter for his directorial efforts. I don’t think I’ve ever had to use my T-shirt sleeve to dab away tears from both laughing and crying while watching a movie in public. The Big Sick got me both ways, and it will get you, too.