The Big Sick

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2:27

The Big Sick

R

Released Jul 14, 2017

2h 0m

Romance

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

98%

Tomatometer

306 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Kumail is a Pakistani comic, who meets an American graduate student named Emily at one of his stand-up shows. As their relationship blossoms, he soon becomes worried about what his traditional Muslim parents will think of her. When Emily suddenly comes down with an illness that leaves her in a coma, Kumail finds himself developing a bond with her deeply concerned mother and father.

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Critics Consensus

Funny, heartfelt, and intelligent, The Big Sick uses its appealing leads and cross-cultural themes to prove the standard romcom formula still has some fresh angles left to explore.

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Donald Clarke

Irish Times

What sets the film apart is an oddness that could only have sprung from real life. That and sincerity, compassion, humanity.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 7, 2017

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Jake Wilson

The Age (Australia)

After a slow start, the film gradually accumulates funny and surprising details, many of them surely drawn directly from life.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 4, 2017

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Naman Ramachandran

Sight & Sound

The film's message - that cultures are different but can coexist peacefully - is a welcome one in these riven times.

Aug 1, 2017

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

The Big Sick can confidently boast a self-evident punchline that lasts for over two hours and never runs out of the funny or the surprising.

Rated: 5/5

Feb 16, 2024

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Patricia Karounos

Refinery29

Every laugh is full and genuine, and so are the (good) tears you inevitably will cry.

Oct 23, 2023

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Fletcher Powell

KMUW - Wichita Public Radio

The characters are funny, but not too funny, the stakes seem real, and you can tell that everyone really cares about each other.

May 12, 2023

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Katie D

A little slow to start but it's funny, quirky and great storytelling. I'm glad there was more highlights in the movie beyond what is in the trailer. Great performances, especially Ray Romano and Holly Hunter!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/15/21

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Kobi A

An exceptionally enjoyable rom-com with solid performances from everyone involved. You can tell this was a passion project for Kumail and his wife, it comes across so strongly in this funny, heartfelt film. Ray Romano's voice is like butter in any movie he's in so there's that too

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/07/25

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Whistlerworld S

Beautiful drama with a lot of wit

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/09/25

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HMF B

Interesting look at a first generation American Muslim and the difficulties in blending two totally different cultures. Sitting on the fence until you realize what you really want. Worth a watch.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/11/25

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The H

Not sure what people are talking about with 'slow start' I'd argue the beginning of the movie is best part, it's laying the foundation for everything to come, if anything I feel like the "Act I" should've been longer. Anyway... sad/funny/cute/heartwarming movie all around, touches on some unusual subjects like arranged marriage & how religion can dictate family 'values' & sever bonds over imaginary friends & culture. Amazing love story though.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/21/25

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Audience Member

Boring and not funny. Overhyped

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

11/17/24

Full Review

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Michael Showalter

Director

Kumail Nanjiani

Kumail

Zoe Kazan

Emily

Holly Hunter

Beth

Ray Romano

Terry

Anupam Kher

Azmat

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The Big Sick: Trailer 1

2:27

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Synopsis

Kumail is a Pakistani comic, who meets an American graduate student named Emily at one of his stand-up shows. As their relationship blossoms, he soon becomes worried about what his traditional Muslim parents will think of her. When Emily suddenly comes down with an illness that leaves her in a coma, Kumail finds himself developing a bond with her deeply concerned mother and father.

Director: Michael Showalter
Producer: Judd Apatow, Barry Mendel
Screenwriter: Emily V. Gordon, Kumail Nanjiani
Distributor: Amazon Studios, Lionsgate Films
Production Co: FilmNation, Apatow Films
Rating: R (Some Sexual References|Language)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 14, 2017, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 10, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $42.9M
Runtime: 2h 0m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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