Based on the real-life courtship between Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, THE BIG SICK tells the story of aspiring comedian Kumail (Nanjiani), who connects with grad student Emily (Kazan) after his standup set. What they thought would be a one-night stand blossoms into the real thing, which complicates life when Emily is beset with a mystery illness. Kumail is forced to navigate the medical crisis with her parents, who he's never met, and the tug-of-war between his family and his heart.