“The Big Sick” is one of the best films so far this year, exploring themes of love, romance, stand up comedy, family values, culture clashes, illness, and friendship, all wrapped up in a modest budget, well acted movie that makes you feel like a million bucks.

Based on a true story involving Pakistani comedian, Kumail Nanjiani, and his courtship with grad student, Emily Gordon, following a night of stand up comedy. Two good people made for each other despite their cultural differences and it’s only a matter of time before those differences create a human road block.

But wait, something else happens that involves a trip to the hospital and that’s when parents get involved and the film elevates to a higher level based on performances and a beautiful screenplay written by the real life couple.

Kumail co stars with Zoe Kazan as Emily and both are a breath of fresh air as young adults trying to find their way in the world. Holly Hunter and Ray Romano are particularly enlightened as Emily’s conflicted parents who love their daughter deeply.

“The Big Sick” is a smartened up movie with a big heart, that says when given the chance to think for themselves, human beings can overcome multiple obstacles.

In this case, a guy and a girl, one of them very sick, both of them in love.

• Gary Cogill