The Big Sick

The film had a really slow start for my taste. I didn't really get why it was supposed to be a comedy. Ironically, I only got it when things started to get serious and Emily's parents came on the scene. That's when I started enjoying myself and it lasted almost till the end of the film. Almost. The ending was all-American, sappy and predictable and robbed the film of a potential fourth star. (30/01/2018)

It follows strictly the tried and tested plot of a typical Sundance midcult feel-good flick; i.e. it’s not serious about serious things, with social overtones, not overdone and with likeable characters. Of course, it doesn't matter at all if it makes you laugh, moves you, and also teaches you something about cricket in Pakistan. (16/07/2017)

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. (24/06/2017)

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*. (25/12/2017)

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. (08/07/2017)