The Big Sick

It took me a while to get used to Kumail. For about twenty minutes, I was even pretty uncertain whether this comedy was actually a comedy, or if it was simply an unusual drama. But once Zoe Kazan made an appearance on the scene (or rather in a coma), a whirlwind of great situational humor started that went so natural for Kumail that it really was a pleasure to watch him. For instance, his first encounter with Emily’s parents is really good fun. And there are plenty more similar scenes in the film. Eventually, the unusual drama turns into an unusual dramedy which managed to put me in a really good mood that didn’t disappear even after I finished the movie. The thing is, I read about the film that it was based on a true story and that the main character is the same Kumail as the one in the film. At that point, the movie reached a whole new dimension. (11/30/2017)

A very nicely constructed romantic conversational drama with a delightful final scene and a thematic update in the form of Muslim traditions in the midst of Western society. But my impressions are mixed, on the one hand, there are several times in the first half when the film goes against conventional expectations, moving from traditional romantic formulas to more serious and expansive themes, but then it uses quite unbelievable characters with exaggerated reactions for its social expression, and only the otherwise routine romantic storyline fully works in the end. At times it can be emotional, and in the second half the story surprises again by stubbornly delaying the happy ending, but the cathartic effect is weakened by the fact that easygoing humour is constantly injected into a hugely complex life situation, and the narrative somewhat unthinkingly gives so much space to the parents of the sick Emily, whose life views and attitudes go well beyond intellectual conventions. In any case, it's a very smart film that, unlike most of its contemporaries, has something to say globally and intergenerationally. Very strong 3*. (12/25/2017)

An enjoyable film with a topical theme of Muslims and a very likeable main character, who unfortunately I didn't find funny at all in his stand up routines, but the film keeps a decent level thanks to intelligent dialogues, decent romance, strong emotions and you also learn something about Pakistani culture, so it's definitely a film worth watching. 75% (09/19/2017)

Enthusiastic responses from Sundance announced that this may be the comedy of the year, but it’s no miracle - this independent romantic comedy is completely standard, and there are dozens to hundreds of similar films in existence. In fact, it is only moderately funny. However, it differs from the others with its Pakistani themes and cute origins, which is certainly a plus, as well as the unusual motifs of the mother separating her son from her family for disobeying cultural traditions, jokes about Muslim terrorists and possible metaphorical interpretations of the deadly consequences of lies among two partners. (06/24/2017)

The Big Sick is another one of Judd Apatow’s great conversational dramas with a beautifully light and positively conceived take on the current most pressing issue of Muslims, with a traditionally relatable and well-analyzed relationshiporiented plot line. The film is emotional and intelligent, with a script worthy of an Oscar nomination. And I think that Zoe Kazan might get one as well. (07/08/2017)