The Big Sick Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Uber driver/struggling comedian has to choose between his meddling Pakistani family and the white girl he bonked, who then gets super sick because, comedy?

🍿 The Big Sick: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Kumail and Emily Meet

Kumail, a Pakistani-American comedian and Uber driver, meets Emily after one of his stand-up shows. They begin a casual relationship, agreeing to keep it light. However, their connection deepens, leading to a more serious commitment.

Cultural Conflict and Relationship Strain

Kumail struggles to balance his relationship with Emily and his traditional Pakistani family, who expect him to have an arranged marriage. He hides Emily from his parents, creating tension and ultimately leading to a breakup. Emily discovers photos of potential arranged marriage partners, confronting Kumail about his lack of transparency.

Emily’s Illness and Kumail’s Dilemma

Shortly after their breakup, Emily falls ill and is placed in a medically induced coma. Kumail is contacted and finds himself making critical medical decisions for her. He connects with Emily’s parents, Beth and Terry, navigating their grief and his own feelings of responsibility. A bond forms between Kumail and Emily’s parents, despite the initial awkwardness and Beth’s resentment towards him.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kumail Nanjiani (Kumail Nanjiani): A Pakistani-American stand-up comedian and Uber driver torn between his family’s traditional expectations and his love for Emily.
• Emily Gardner (Zoe Kazan): A graduate student who falls for Kumail, leading to a clash of cultures and a sudden, serious illness.
• Beth (Holly Hunter): Emily’s strong-willed and protective mother who initially distrusts Kumail but forms an unlikely bond with him.
• Terry (Ray Romano): Emily’s father, who is more open and affable than Beth, and who forms a close bond with Kumail, sharing his own marital struggles.
• Azmat (Anupam Kher): Kumail’s traditional Pakistani father who adheres strictly to cultural and religious expectations for his son.
• Sharmeen (Zenobia Shroff): Kumail’s mother, who is persistent in finding a suitable Pakistani bride for her son and upholding their family traditions.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Terry: “So, uh, 9/11…” – Said during an awkward conversation with Kumail, attempting to find common ground and understand his perspective.
• Beth: “I’m going to need you to leave.” – Beth tells Kumail to leave the hospital, showing her initial hostility and protectiveness towards her daughter.
• Kumail: “You are under no obligation to be nice to me.” – Kumail acknowledges to Beth and Terry that he hurt their daughter and doesn’t expect them to forgive him.
• Emily: “You know that yawning thing that happens when you watch a really boring film? That happened.” – Emily’s playfully critical yet honest assessment of Kumail’s one-man show highlights their easy banter.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $42,873,127
• Worldwide Gross: $56,411,585

💥 The Big Sick Reviews

Personal Review

I loved this movie! It felt so real and honest. The way it mixed the awkwardness of dating with the serious stuff of family expectations and health scares was amazing. I was laughing one minute and tearing up the next. The scene where Kumail’s parents disown him, but he stands his ground was powerful. And Holly Hunter just stole every scene she was in! This is one of those movies I’ll watch again and again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romantic comedies with a unique twist”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about cultural identity and family dynamics”
  • “People who appreciate witty dialogue and relatable characters”
  • “Those seeking a film that balances humor and heartfelt emotion”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes related to illness and cultural differences”
  • “Some strong language”
  • “Brief discussions of infidelity”
  • “Occasional use of adult humor”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A heartfelt and hilarious story that explores the complexities of love, family, and cultural identity. Nanjiani and Gordon’s script is sharp and insightful, while Showalter’s direction balances comedy and drama with grace.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Kumail Nanjiani delivers a star-making performance in this semi-autobiographical comedy. ‘The Big Sick’ manages to be both deeply personal and broadly relatable, offering a fresh perspective on the rom-com genre.
• RogerEbert.com: “A triumph of storytelling, ‘The Big Sick’ is a rare film that feels both authentic and universally appealing. The performances are outstanding, and the film tackles complex issues with humor and sensitivity.

Audience Reactions

The film’s humor manages to be hilarious without undermining the more emotional and serious moments.: Viewers widely praised the cast, its diversity and depth, for telling the story in a natural way.

The genuine chemistry between the cast is a standout, making the relationships in the film believable and engaging.: The performances are heartfelt and strong, as the majority would enjoy how the script and cast created an easy-to-like film.

Overall Consensus: The Big Sick is a critically acclaimed and audience-approved romantic comedy that skillfully blends humor, heart, and cultural insights for a rewarding and memorable movie experience.

Awards

1. Critics’ Choice Movie Award (Best Comedy)- 2018
2. Screen Actors Guild Award (Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture)- 2018

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the real-life romance between Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, who co-wrote the screenplay. This personal connection adds authenticity and emotional depth to the story.”
• “Kumail Nanjiani’s real parents are shown during the end credits, adding another layer of authenticity and allowing viewers to connect with the real people behind the story.”
• “Director Michael Showalter encouraged improvisation on set, allowing the actors to bring their own comedic sensibilities to the roles and create spontaneous, humorous moments.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Big Sick?

The Big Sick is available to stream on various platforms. You can find it on Prime Video, Apple TV, and through other digital retailers for purchase or rental. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Big Sick, you might like these similar films:

• 50/50 (2011): Deals with serious illness (cancer) while maintaining a comedic tone, exploring themes of friendship and resilience.
• Meet the Parents (2000): Focuses on the awkwardness and humor that arises when a boyfriend meets his girlfriend’s parents, dealing with cultural clashes and family expectations.
• Crazy Rich Asians (2018): Explores cultural differences within a romantic relationship and the challenges of meeting demanding and traditional families.
• Bend It Like Beckham (2002): A cross-cultural movie about a girl who has strict parents that don’t want her to achieve her dreams.

🛒 The Big Sick Related Products

• The Big Sick (Blu-ray): Own the critically acclaimed movie on Blu-ray with special features like deleted scenes, commentary, and behind-the-scenes footage. A must-have for fans.
• The Big Sick: The Screenplay: Dive deeper into the story with the official screenplay, featuring insights from Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, and behind-the-scenes stories from the making of the film.
• Stand-Up Comedy Starter Kit: Learn the basics of stand-up comedy with our comprehensive kit, inspired by Kumail’s journey. Includes a microphone, notebook, and a beginner’s guide to writing jokes.
• Kumail Nanjiani: Beta Male (Comedy Special): Watch Kumail Nanjiani’s hilarious stand-up special and get more of his unique comedic perspective. A perfect complement to the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Big Sick features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Devil’s Haircut” – performed by Beck

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

“Kumail Nanjiani SNL Standup Monologue – SNL”

Check out Kumail Nanjiani’s hilarious SNL monologue where he roasts critics and talks about the movie. It’s a must-watch for fans of his comedy and the film.

Comedian Kumail Nanjiani Just Told the Best Story Ever

Don’t miss this heartwarming and hilarious interview where Kumail Nanjiani shares an unforgettable story that explores his unique perspective and the themes of the movie.

Kumail Nanjiani & Emily V. Gordon Remember Their Courtship Differently | CONAN on TBS

Join Conan O’Brien as he welcomes Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon to discuss the hilarious and heartwarming story behind ‘The Big Sick’. This interview is a must-watch for fans of the film.

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