The Big Sick

Name: The Big Sick
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance
Released: June 23, 2017
Duration: 120 min
Rating: 86
Cast: Adeel Akhtar, Aidy Bryant, Anupam Kher, Bo Burnham, Holly Hunter

2017

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 47 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 403 Ratings

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7.1	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 403 Ratings

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The Big Sick: Anupam Kher On Working With Judd Apatow

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Movie Details & Credits

Lionsgate | Release Date: June 23, 2017 | R

Starring: Adeel Akhtar, Aidy Bryant, Anupam Kher, Bo Burnham, Holly Hunter, Kumail Nanjiani, Kurt Braunohler, Ray Romano, Zenobia Shroff, Zoe Kazan

Summary: Based on the real-life courtship between Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, The Big Sick tells the story of Pakistan-born aspiring comedian Kumail (Nanjiani), who connects with grad student Emily (Zoe Kazan) after one of his standup sets. However, what they thought would be just a one-night stand blossoms into the real thing, whichBased on the real-life courtship between Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, The Big Sick tells the story of Pakistan-born aspiring comedian Kumail (Nanjiani), who connects with grad student Emily (Zoe Kazan) after one of his standup sets. However, what they thought would be just a one-night stand blossoms into the real thing, which complicates the life that is expected of Kumail by his traditional Muslim parents. When Emily is beset with a mystery illness, it forces Kumail to navigate the medical crisis with her parents, Beth and Terry (Holly Hunter and Ray Romano) who he's never met, while dealing with the emotional tug-of-war between his family and his heart.… Expand

Director: Michael Showalter

Genre(s): Drama, Comedy, Romance

Rating: R

Runtime: 120 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Eric Goldman

Jul 5, 2017

Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon have told their own story in a funny, highly engaging way that doesn’t feel precious or sanitized, but instead is relatable and engrossing from start to finish. And you’ll laugh a hell of a lot. Read full review

100

Manohla Dargis

Jun 22, 2017

I fell hard for both Ms. Kazan and Mr. Nanjiani and The Big Sick, which tells a great story with waves of deep feeling and questions of identity and makes the whole thing feel like a breeze. Read full review

Max Cea

Jun 27, 2017

Emily’s sickness is ultimately what elevates The Big Sick above the echelon of enjoyable-but-generic rom-coms. Read full review

RogerEbert.com Christy Lemire

Jun 22, 2017

Apatow also has a knack for spotting up-and-coming talent and using his considerable influence to help foster it on the biggest stage and under the brightest lights. He’s done this with Lena Dunham (“Girls”) and Amy Schumer (“Trainwreck”), and he’s done it again with Nanjiani. Read full review

The Playlist Noel Murray

Jan 21, 2017

There’s a certain flat indie artlessness to “The Big Sick,” but it’d be shortsighted to discount how well-written and well-acted it is. This is a very funny movie, yet always plausibly so—never throwing in jokes just for the sake of a laugh. Read full review

Justin Chang

Jun 22, 2017

The Big Sick is both a delightful comedy and an imperfect milestone. With any luck, we’ll look back on it someday and it won’t feel like a milestone at all. Read full review

The Telegraph Robbie Collin

Aug 3, 2017

The film bears its real-world resonance as lightly as a button, thanks both to the steady supply of well-turned one-liners and the rippling chemistry between Nanjiani and a never-better Kazan, who’s so disarmingly funny here that I kept catching myself pulling puppy-dog faces whenever she was on screen. Read full review

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User Reviews

dispencer187

Jul 15, 2017

Hilarious. Genuine. Contemporary. I don't know how you could not like the main actor, he is one of the most likable characters I've seen in a while. One can only hope there's more to come...

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

CriticAlmighty

Jul 23, 2017

The perfect date movie no matter how long your relationship. The actors did a magnificent job. The writers really shine. And the director and crew make every scene feel authentic. Job well done to all, especially to Kumail and Emily (the real one and to Zoe).

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

odsolis

Jun 28, 2017

A powerful and emotional film that touches upon topics not normally seen in romantic comedies. The assimilation of culture and what the meaning of family and love can mean to a person, what pursuing your dreams can do to your relationships to both family and significant others, finding outA powerful and emotional film that touches upon topics not normally seen in romantic comedies. The assimilation of culture and what the meaning of family and love can mean to a person, what pursuing your dreams can do to your relationships to both family and significant others, finding out who you want to be despite everyone telling you you're wrong.… Expand

7 of 10 users found this helpful73

AwesomeArnoldK

Sep 16, 2017

“The Big Sick” at its core is a conventional romantic dramedy that has a relatively predictable story, but with a brilliant screenplay and refreshing execution, it excels and becomes something truly special. The characters and story are endearing because you can sense the thought and care“The Big Sick” at its core is a conventional romantic dramedy that has a relatively predictable story, but with a brilliant screenplay and refreshing execution, it excels and becomes something truly special. The characters and story are endearing because you can sense the thought and care that went into telling this really personal story. While having so much heart, the film is also incredibly funny and relatable. The screenplay is filled with humor that tackles subjects of interracial relationships, cultural differences, forgiveness, family, and love. Nothing feels heavy handed or forced to get a point across. Instead the movie prefers to observational and poke fun at the everyday things even being near death. I like how the movie is consistently funny and manages to still be heartfelt and sincere. And the screenplay really does balance everything. It’s insightful and has a positive message about time healing all wounds and family will stick together, even if they don’t see eye to all the time.

The cast is spot on and everyone gives a relatively enjoyable and poignant performance. Kumail Nanjiani, as the lead, actually gives a performance that’s comedically well timed and with dramatic depth. He really holds the screen and we care for his struggle. Zoe Kazan, as Emily and the love interest, is engaging and has a bubbly personality that’s enjoyable to watch. Kumail and Emily’s relationship is commendable as it feels natural and well developed. I honestly cared for their relationship and their on screen chemistry felt very real. Holly Hunter, Emily’s mom, is a true acting force. She really cares about her daughter without being overbearing, but instead incredibly understanding. Ray Romano, as Emily’s dad, also has some awesome scenes. He gets some of the biggest laughs, but his character is much more than a conventional comic relief. He has backstory and scene stealing moments that are equally emotional and hilarious. Honestly, I like how real and likable all these characters are and they don’t come off as jerks for the sake of having more conflict in the movie. Overall, “The Big Sick” is a romantic dramedy that isn’t the most original thing out there, but it’s funny, fresh, clever and heartfelt without being sappy and cliche in its execution. Brilliant screenplay about family, forgiveness, and love that has impeccable comedic timing. The cast is great as well. They deliver a balanced performance that’s both hilarious and heartfelt. One of the best movies of the year 4.5/5… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

MallRat15

Jan 14, 2018

A very solid movie, filled with laughs and a great true story. Kumail is hilarious and all supporting members are great as well. Clever jokes that really deliver as there are many laugh out loud moments. A great written story and it keeps you intrigued the whole film.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

Jess_Hill

Jul 31, 2017

Not being one for romantic comedies, I was nevertheless thoroughly charmed by this delightfully funny and poignant film. Based on the true story of how Nanjiani met Emily, the compelling storyline is driven by the exceptional script, with the dry humour and a unique cultural context ensuringNot being one for romantic comedies, I was nevertheless thoroughly charmed by this delightfully funny and poignant film. Based on the true story of how Nanjiani met Emily, the compelling storyline is driven by the exceptional script, with the dry humour and a unique cultural context ensuring that there are some moving and hilarious moments throughout. Nicely paced, with excellent performances, this is an entertaining and personal story that is well worth your time. 8.48/10… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

Pugnacious

Oct 17, 2017

Extremely cheap and shallow, with cringe-worthy performance. I used to over-hyped movies, but this looks like the new era of stupidity. People called this fresh. What kind of stale pieces of sh*t they have to watch to do that, is beyond me.

1 of 8 users found this helpful17

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26	#26 Best Movie of 2017
64	#64 Most Discussed Movie of 2017
53	#53 Most Shared Movie of 2017