The Big Sick (2017)

Set in Chicago, a struggling stand up comic (Kumail Nanjiani) of Pakistani descent finds himself in a relationship with a Caucasian girl (Zoe Kazan, who's adorable). But he keeps the relationship secret from his parents (Anupam Kher, Zenobia Shroff) who want him to marry a Pakistani girl. When a medical crisis intervenes, he must come to terms with his feelings for the girl as well as his relationship with his parents. Written by Nanjiani (who plays himself) and his wife Emily Gordon (played by Kazan in the film) and directed by Michael Showalter, this is a joy! I hesitate to call it one of the best romcoms I've ever seen because "romcom" conjures up images of SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE  or PRETTY WOMAN and this movie digs deeper into the complexities of a romantic relationship as well as familial duty and loyalty that most romcoms don't even dare go. It's funny but it's very moving without being manipulatively sentimental. But enough, it's the kind of movie that's best seen going in with as little information as possible. But I have to mention the terrific performances of Holly Hunter and my man Ray Romano (EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND) as Kazan's parents. With SNL's Aidy Bryant and David Alan Grier.