An awkward true story.|Mar. 30, 2017|USA|120 Min.|R
Genre: Comedy;Drama;Romance
Description: Kumail, a Chicago-based Uber driver and aspiring stand-up comedian, faces pressure from his Pakistani American parents to pursue law school and accept an arranged marriage. He performs a one-man show about his cultural background but struggles with his parents’ expectations. After a performance, he has a one-night stand with Emily, a psychology student. Their casual encounter evolves into a meaningful relationship, which Kumail hides from his family. When Emily discovers photos of the women Kumail’s parents have introduced to him, she confronts him. Uncertain about their future, Kumail hesitates, leading Emily to end their relationship.
One night, Kumail receives a call from a friend informing him that Emily has been hospitalized with a severe lung infection and needs to be placed in an induced coma. Acting as her husband, he signs the consent form and notifies her parents, Beth and Terry. Despite their awareness of the breakup, Kumail stays by Emily’s side, bonding with her parents during this difficult time. Beth and Terry attend one of Kumail’s shows, where Beth defends him against a racist heckler.
As Emily’s condition worsens, the infection spreads to her kidneys, and surgery proves ineffective. Beth suggests transferring Emily to another hospital, but Kumail and Terry disagree, causing tension between the couple. Terry confides in Kumail about his past infidelity and regrets. Meanwhile, Kumail’s parents visit, frustrated by his refusal to consider arranged marriages. Kumail confesses that he is no longer a practicing Muslim and reveals his relationship with Emily, leading his parents to disown him.
While preparing for an audition at the Montreal Comedy Festival, Kumail learns that the infection has reached Emily’s heart. Overwhelmed by fear and grief, he breaks down during the audition and fails. The story explores themes of love, family, and cultural identity, as Kumail navigates the challenges of his relationship with Emily and his strained ties with his parents.
Cast director: Nicholas Bell
Cast actor: Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, Ray Romano, Anupam Kher, Zenobia Shroff, Adeel Akhtar, Bo Burnham, Aidy Bryant, Kurt Braunohler
Original name: The Big Sick