Amazon Studios had a banner year in 2017 both on the big screen and the small screen. One film that struck a chord with audiences is 'The Big Sick' - a dramedy based on the true story of how comedian Kumail Nanjiani (Portlandia, Silicon Valley) met his wife, Emily (played by Zoe Kazan).
Of course, what ratchets up the intrigue on 'Sick' is the culture clash that happens between Kumail and Emily - the former of whom is of Pakistani Muslim descent and the latter from a more "typical" American family. Kumail struggles with the cultural norm of arranged marriages - something that doesn't usually play well among young adults in this day and age. To add to the mix, Kumail is an aspiring comedian (while being a part-time Uber driver) - a career choice that his family disapproves of.
So when Kumail meets Emily, it's fair to say the relationship doesn't begin conventionally, and a bunch of drama ensues. This drama only spikes following a health scare, which basically consumes the majority of the film. Where 'Sick' succeeds is its "realness" - it doesn't feel concocted in a Hollywood lab, nor does it seem forced. While this authenticity comes across - including the pain and rawness of emotions that the couple and their friends and family feel - it's fair to say there's a lot more drama than comedy in the film, in true Judd Apatow style. So, don't go into it expecting a romantic comedy in the likeness of 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' or 'I Love You, Man.'
One of the strong suits in 'Sick' is its cast. Besides the two main stars, Holly Hunter and Ray Romano lend their talents as Emily's cantankerous parents, while Aidy Bryant and Bo Burnham have supporting roles as Kumail's comic friends and Adeel Akhtar plays Kumail's older brother (and "model son" to his parents). Also well done is the dialogue. Again, the conversations feel "real" and, despite a few overly dramatic scenes, the film is fairly well written.
There are many lessons learned from 'The Big Sick' - some harder to understand than others. But what results is a smart, sensitive story of reconciling differences and learning to accept and appreciate others for who they are.
Of course, what ratchets up the intrigue on 'Sick' is the culture clash that happens between Kumail and Emily - the former of whom is of Pakistani Muslim descent and the latter from a more "typical" American family. Kumail struggles with the cultural norm of arranged marriages - something that doesn't usually play well among young adults in this day and age. To add to the mix, Kumail is an aspiring comedian (while being a part-time Uber driver) - a career choice that his family disapproves of.
So when Kumail meets Emily, it's fair to say the relationship doesn't begin conventionally, and a bunch of drama ensues. This drama only spikes following a health scare, which basically consumes the majority of the film. Where 'Sick' succeeds is its "realness" - it doesn't feel concocted in a Hollywood lab, nor does it seem forced. While this authenticity comes across - including the pain and rawness of emotions that the couple and their friends and family feel - it's fair to say there's a lot more drama than comedy in the film, in true Judd Apatow style. So, don't go into it expecting a romantic comedy in the likeness of 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' or 'I Love You, Man.'
One of the strong suits in 'Sick' is its cast. Besides the two main stars, Holly Hunter and Ray Romano lend their talents as Emily's cantankerous parents, while Aidy Bryant and Bo Burnham have supporting roles as Kumail's comic friends and Adeel Akhtar plays Kumail's older brother (and "model son" to his parents). Also well done is the dialogue. Again, the conversations feel "real" and, despite a few overly dramatic scenes, the film is fairly well written.
There are many lessons learned from 'The Big Sick' - some harder to understand than others. But what results is a smart, sensitive story of reconciling differences and learning to accept and appreciate others for who they are.