13 Best Romantic Comedies Of The 21st Century
4. The Big Sick
Based on real life events faced by comedian Kumail Najiani, The Big Sick is everything you want from a modern Rom-Com. The story of a failed relationship that stagnates on when tragedy falls is original, funny and truly heart warming. It also contains humour and heart that is natural and never feels the remotest bit forced.
The story concentrates on Kumail, an up and coming comedian who begins a short relationship with 'heckler' Emily. After five months the pair break up, but shortly after this, Emily is placed into an induced coma after a lung infection. Obligated to stick by her, Kumail spends his days in the hospital waiting room alongside Emily's parents, where an unlikely friendship develops.
While it may sound lacking in humour and heart on paper, the film is nothing but a delight from start to finish. Nanjiani brings his comedic talents to the fore, with a great dynamic sparked between he and Ray Romano as Emily's Dad.
The female characters, portrayed effortlessly by Zoe Kazan and Holly Hunter, act as great counterpoints for their male partners. There is a genuine charm that makes them both endearing characters, while also being tough and forthright so as not to be trifled with.
The film's message, in particular to men, is a good one, outlining that you may make mistakes, but if you're honest and willing to work hard to be a better person, then things can turn around for the better.