A few nights ago, I dragged my husband to The Big Sick. He wanted to go to Dunkirk. But it was date night, for goodness’ sake, so I said, “No. Nope. No way.” Not wanting to engage in our own epic battle, Bruce reluctantly agreed to go to my choice.

He didn’t regret his decision. We both loved the film. Loosely based on the lives of Pakistani-born comedian, Kumail Nanjiani, and his wife, Emily Gordon, the movie depicts cross-cultural challenges the two experienced in their dating relationship. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 98% audience approval rating. I’d describe it as a feel good movie with brains.

Kumail is a stand up comedian who supports himself as an Uber driver. Every week at a family dinner, his mother sets him up with a Pakistani woman “who just happens to be in the neighborhood.” His family firmly believes that the only acceptable wife for Kumail must be Muslim and Pakistani. Kumail keeps photos of each woman in a cigar box in his apartment, but does not pursue any of them.

At a show one evening, Kumail is heckled by a someone in the audience, a woman named Emily (played by Zoe Kazan). Sparks fly and a romance ensues. All the while, Kumail is conflicted because he knows his family will disown him if they find out about Emily. I will stop right here so that you can enjoy the rest of the story unfolding.

Here’s why I liked the movie: The on screen chemistry between Kumail Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan is charming and pleasant. The movie is written well. The plot and the emotional landscape of the movie make sense. By that I mean, the viewer isn’t sitting there thinking, “What? That would never happen.” Or, “What? She would never say/do that!”

Ray Romano and Holly Hunter play Emily’s parents. Each one delivers a great performance. Romano’s humor is wry and understated. Holly Hunter has her full-blown crazy on and is hilarious.

Do you have view this on the big screen to enjoy it? Probably not. The movie isn’t a magnificent visual experience like Moonlight or Out of Africa. Waiting for the DVD to be released would be okay. On the other hand, this seems to be the perfect movie for a date night or a friends’ night out.