The Big Sick

For a romantic dramedy, the romance part of the film is easily the weakest. The back-and-forth of the relationship between Kumail and Emily was tiresome to watch. It’s mostly a retread of the same cliché rom-com tropes that have already been beaten to death. The resolution to their relationship is also dissatisfying and it ultimately sacrifices character growth in order to tack on a happy ending.

Oddly enough, the other relationships in the film are way more well-written. Whether it’s the unlikely friendship between Kumail and Emily’s parents or the strained familial relationships within his own family, both are able to provide some interesting angles to parenting and parental expectations. Holly Hunter as Emily’s mother, Beth, is definitely a standout among the cast.

There were some genuinely funny moments in The Big Sick but the comedy is not always consistent. It can feel a little too mechanical and self-conscious.

You get a little romance, you get a little comedy, you get a little drama but the film itself could have benefited from a shorter runtime.

(Originally posted on 1 Oct 2017 @projectunwrapped)