The Big Sick

Kumail (Kumail Nanjiani) dreams of a big career as a stand-up comedian. Yet he himself has very little to laugh about at the moment. He still performs in small clubs without pay and earns a little money as an Uber driver. And when he's not worrying about money, his Pakistani family makes life difficult for him. They are so caught up in old traditions that they are desperate to arrange a marriage for Kumail and introduce him to a new marriageable candidate at every family dinner. But for the young comedian this is out of the question. He wants to fall in love normally - and that's exactly what happens to him one night after a performance when he meets Emily (Zoe Kazan). Although both are immediately attracted to each other, they still prefer to stay single. It's easier that way. But the heart wants what the heart wants, and so they become a couple after all. Too bad Emily is not at all what his family expects from a future wife.

It sounds a bit hackneyed by now, but The Big Sick makes it clear once again: life just writes the best stories. Because this great romantic comedy of a different kind is actually based on the true story of Kumail Nanjiani and - spoiler alert - his wife Emily. Admittedly, the family conflict was somewhat exaggerated for the cinematic treatment. But this works very well, as it adds an extra layer of conflict to the dramedy. As in real life, Emily became ill shortly after they met and fell into a coma. The fact that in the film, due to Kumail's family, they weren't actually a couple anymore at that moment, but he was still with her all the time, and thus also builds a special relationship with her parents - wonderfully played by Ray Romano and Holly Hunter - adds an adorable, charming touch to the film.

In the US, The Big Sick quickly became an absolute critics' and audiences' favourite. The reason for this is quickly identified: this film simply makes you happy. The humor seems pleasantly fresh, the characters somehow very true to life, and the more dramatic moments come off without any form of kitsch or overused clichés. The script, written by Kumail and Emily themselves, is bursting with biting wordplay (hopefully not lost in the German dubbed version) and heartwarming dialogue. The book, direction and actors bring characters to the screen that are incredibly fun to spend time with as an audience member and really feel comfortable in their presence.

The Big Sick wraps itself around its audience like a comforting hug that you are reluctant to pull out of. It's a wonderful film that shows that you don't need big special effects, furious car stunts, or superheroes to deliver really great cinema. Sometimes a little real life story is all it takes to give viewers the most beautiful romantic cinematic tale of the year. Definitely worth seeing

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp