THE BIG SICK || Silicon Valley star and stand-up comedian Kumail Nanjiani makes his writing debut, alongside his wife Emily V. Gordon, with this dark comedy about their real-life meet cute, titled The Big Sick. Kumail also stars in the leading role, basically playing himself as a Pakistani aspiring stand-up comedian from a traditional Muslim-American family. With his family still believing in arranged marriages and disowning family members who do not marry someone within their culture, Kumail is faced with a dilemma when he meets Emily, who is played by Zoe Kazan (Ruby Sparks and Revolutionary Road), at one of his shows. But when the truth comes out that there might not be future with him, Emily breaks up with him. The real drama begins thereafter when Emily is diagnosed with a rare infection and is placed in a medically-induced coma. Kumail makes a stand to stay by her side, even though they broke up. Emily’s parents, played by Holly Hunter and Ray Ramona, reluctantly take him under their wings.
There’s a realness and honesty to the film that help it stand out. Kumail is seems like an open-book and the humor of his situation comes through along with his dry delivers and responses to awkward situations. It premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival to great reviews and was acquired by Amazon Studios to be released limited in June and wide in July. Judd Apatow and frequent producing partner Barry Mendel produced the film.
Release Date: June 23, 2017
Directed By: Michael Showalter
Studio: Amazon Studios
