The Big Sick

A surprisingly witty, sweet-natured romantic comedy, The Big Sick is based on the real-life courtship between married writers Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon. Struggling Pakistani/American comedian Nanjiani (starring as himself) in Chicago connects with flirtatious grad student Emily (Zoe Kazan) in a one-night stand that develops into a relationship. But Kumail's devoutly Muslim family expects him to enter into a traditional, arranged marriage with an eligible Pakistani woman. So he avoids mentioning his growing affection for Emily, knowing that his parents would disown him if he married a Caucasian. It's the classic dilemma of a trying-to-assimilate, second-generation immigrant caught between two worlds, and Kumail's cross-cultural deception leads to the new couple's eventual breakup. But when Emily develops a mysterious infection and is placed in a medically induced coma, distraught Kumail rushes to the hospital, where he meets her frazzled parents (Ray Romano, Holly Hunter), who are wary of Emily's ex-boyfriend hovering around during their family vigil—particularly since they're having their own marital issues. Adroitly directed by Michael Showalter, this endearing crowd-pleaser—described by Kumail as “a romantic coma-dy”—is recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include cast and filmmaker commentary featuring co-writers Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, deleted scenes (10 min.), the behind-the-scenes featurettes “A Personal Journey” (15 min.), “The Bigger Sick: Stick Around for More Laughs” (11 min.), “The Real Story” (7 min.), and “The Other Stuff” (4 min.), and a 2017 SXSW Film Festival panel (12 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus DVD, digital, and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a substantial extras package for a winning rom-com.] (S. Granger)