A stand-up comedian attempts to perform his usual set but quickly unravels as he confronts the reality of his girlfriend's critical medical condition. He moves from awkward jokes to a raw, vulnerable confession about his regrets and the terrifying possibility of losing her.
KUMAIL: Have you guys heard of this new drug cocktail called cheese? Like that's the name of it, it's called cheese. I saw all these news reports, and they were like, there's a new drug, it's called cheese. Everyone's doing it in the Midwest, kids are doing it. It’s just really hard to do stand-up comedy when your girlfriend is in a coma. Not quite sure what part you're laughing at. They say she's fighting, but she doesn't look like she's fighting. She looks like she's just laying there.
Create a free account to explore more
Upgrade to Pro for full access — £6.99/month
Director's Notes
Want expert coaching on this scene?
Browse our curated list of acting coaches, dialect specialists, and more.
Need representation?
Browse verified agents and casting directors in our directory.
How well does this scene match you?
Save your casting profile to see match scores on every scene.
Try Headshot AnalyserGo Pro
£6.99/mo
- ✓ Unlimited scene reading
- ✓ PDF downloads
- ✓ Director's Notes
- ✓ Headshot Analyser
- ✓ Cover Letter Generator
- ✓ Practice Mode
- ✓ Agent Connect
- + 1,000+ scenes
More from The Big Sick
Kumail's Stand-Up Confession
from The Big Sick
A stand-up comedian struggles to perform his routine while his girlfriend is in a medically induced coma. He transitions from failing jokes to a raw, vulnerable admission of his guilt and the terrifying reality of her declining health.
Terry's Confession
from The Big Sick
While sharing a room during a medical crisis, Terry confesses to Kumail that he once cheated on his wife, Beth. Terry struggles to articulate the guilt and the complicated nature of long-term love, while Kumail awkwardly attempts to navigate the uncomfortable revelation.
The Hospital Argument
from The Big Sick
In a high-stress hospital hallway, Terry and Beth argue over whether to transfer their daughter to a better-ranked hospital as her condition worsens. Kumail is caught in the middle of their marital friction and escalating panic as the medical mystery remains unsolved.
The Family Confrontation
from The Big Sick
Kumail is confronted by his parents after rejecting an arranged marriage proposal. The tension escalates as he finally admits to his secret life, his lack of faith, and his love for an American woman, leading to a heartbreaking rift with his mother.
Similar Scenes
The Ideal Man
from The Bus Stop
Fahmida and Nazir debate the double standards of marriage criteria within the Muslim community while riding a bus. As Fahmida challenges Nazir's claims of piety against his prejudices toward single mothers, the conversation reaches a tense breaking point that reveals their differing worldviews.
The History of a Single Mother
from The Bus Stop
Nazir and Fahmida walk home after a bizarre encounter, discussing their personal histories and their differing views on a traditional Islamic lifestyle. Nazir, currently hiding under a stolen veil to avoid recognition, makes a vulnerable and direct plea for Fahmida to consider him as a serious suitor despite their different pasts.