I saw Americanish at a film festival thinking I was at another screening, but I'm delighted that I got to see this instead! The movie does an impressive job of weaving together multiple stories of very different women who are all fully believable and sympathetic. It hits a good balance of complicated, challenging situations and rom-com hijinks. My one complaint is that I did not get as much of the mother's story as I would have liked, but with four narratives to balance it's impossible to fully explore all the threads in one movie. Definitely worth seeing and sharing!
33 Reviews
The movie I never knew I needed
okelsayed5 June 2021
Hilarious and so relatable
taqwas25 September 2021
Americanish made me laugh out loud. It is so relatable. Having grown up in different countries and finally becoming my own person in the US, I related to both the sisters. I remember the exact day when I decided to remove my hijab. In my professional life, I've had to bite my tongue many times, so I fully relate to Sam. The mother daughter relationship was so well portrayed. As heavy as all these topics were, it was phenomenal that Americanish made me laugh so hard. Muslim women are not monolithic. We are multifaceted and Americanish did a great job portraying that.
Navigating the intricacies of identity and cultural expectations
mbutcher-836076 August 2021
This romcom follows the lives of three women navigating the different meanings and expectations of love as they try to stay true to their own identity. This is an upbeat film and while formulaic, one still looks forward to how things will play out for each in the end. I loved it!
Winderfuly film
stevecarltonford11 July 2021
Poignant and relevant!
nidadada8 August 2021
The movie was a lighthearted take on very relevant issues faced by immigrant families especially from the south Asian diaspora. I enjoyed the story line, the comic relief and the women empowerment in the movie! Great job!
A must for everyone!!!
BrianThomasFilms15 August 2021
Charming slice of American Muslim Pakistani life
grouchomama15 August 2021
This passion project offers a window into the modern Pakistani American experience in the guise of a rom-com. Immigrants and people looking to make life better for themselves and their families will be able to relate to these stories of three women looking for fulfillment.
Feel good!
mrahman-360415 June 2021
The film is great
zaydaanboi5 June 2021
A New Perspective
gasthxavier11 July 2021
Hilarious Movie While Tackling Huge Problems That Muslim-Americans Face
rannynm12 November 2021
Americanish is a perfect and unlikely rom-com! It's hilarious, has incredible representation, and it gives all audiences a great laugh. You're sure to find yourself in fits of hysteria.
Americanish is the first of its kind, romantic comedy following Muslim-American Sam (Aizzah Fatima) and her sister Maryam (Salena Qureshi). Both sisters navigate life in America, while trying to find romance and learning the meaning of being an immigrant in the USA. Maryam finds herself falling in love with handsome Shahid (Shenaz Treasury).
This is a completely hilarious movie with perfect comedic lines, while tackling huge and extremely relevant problems that Muslim-Americans face today. It is such a grand breath of fresh air to have a rom-com following a couple that we've never seen before - Muslim-Americans. The characters learn to speak their truth, face stereotypes and their parents' expectations. To have these actors on screen representing their culture is beautiful in its authenticity. The film gives audiences a break from the usual on-screen couples, while providing a platform for Muslim-American actors. The best part is the wonderful storyline of the relationship between Maryam and Shahid. The two of them find themselves having an adorable relationship. They help one another feel comfortable in their own skin, learn how to be themselves, and learn how to maintain a healthy long distance relationship. Their engagement scene is beautiful, showing the love of their family surrounding them as they appear dressed in incredible outfits. Shahid and Maryam face their troubles while putting on a brave face, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.
The lesson Maryam learns is to always follow her heart. She's trapped in the decision to stay and get married and follow tradition, or head for Harvard to attend medical school. She chooses what will make her happiest, putting herself first.
I give Americanish 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to 18 plus adults. It is playing now at the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival. By Heather S., KIDS FIRST!
Americanish is the first of its kind, romantic comedy following Muslim-American Sam (Aizzah Fatima) and her sister Maryam (Salena Qureshi). Both sisters navigate life in America, while trying to find romance and learning the meaning of being an immigrant in the USA. Maryam finds herself falling in love with handsome Shahid (Shenaz Treasury).
This is a completely hilarious movie with perfect comedic lines, while tackling huge and extremely relevant problems that Muslim-Americans face today. It is such a grand breath of fresh air to have a rom-com following a couple that we've never seen before - Muslim-Americans. The characters learn to speak their truth, face stereotypes and their parents' expectations. To have these actors on screen representing their culture is beautiful in its authenticity. The film gives audiences a break from the usual on-screen couples, while providing a platform for Muslim-American actors. The best part is the wonderful storyline of the relationship between Maryam and Shahid. The two of them find themselves having an adorable relationship. They help one another feel comfortable in their own skin, learn how to be themselves, and learn how to maintain a healthy long distance relationship. Their engagement scene is beautiful, showing the love of their family surrounding them as they appear dressed in incredible outfits. Shahid and Maryam face their troubles while putting on a brave face, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.
The lesson Maryam learns is to always follow her heart. She's trapped in the decision to stay and get married and follow tradition, or head for Harvard to attend medical school. She chooses what will make her happiest, putting herself first.
I give Americanish 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to 18 plus adults. It is playing now at the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival. By Heather S., KIDS FIRST!
Great movie!!
mak-5330211 July 2021
Such a fresh and positive perspective of life, love, and acceptance
kellyktheurer11 July 2021
I just viewed this great film last night at a film festival. It was so beautiful to see such a fresh and positive perspective and representation of a female Muslim American family. It opened my eyes to a family struggle of acceptance and adaptation to the ever changing world that surrounds them. It was fantastic that as an audience that we were blessed to meet the cast/writers/directors/editors of the film in-person after the show. The 'after show' interactive discussion really enhanced my appreciation for the art of film making, writing, and editing and the purpose behind this particular film.
10/10 recommend!
msumkin16 July 2021
Amazing film!
campfireken5 June 2021
Funny and important topics addressed
saharmsw5 August 2021
My family LOVED this movie so much! Ameera's character made us laugh so much! The topics raised in the movie were so important, which led to a lively discussion with my kids. My daughter was asking- Hope they make an Americanish 2!
Amazing
datinc-4044911 July 2021
I am sooo glad that I saw this amazing film during a recent film festival. As a black man I know the importance of seeing yourselves in the screen and this was a powerful and honest depiction. I hope that they make many more movies and I hope that it is streaming soon. It is awesome to be able to view the world the the lens of a different culture!
Perfect antidote to news headlines
nyccents22 October 2023
Charming, lighthearted with some laugh aloud moments. The characters are both stereotypical and nuanced.
The movie shows the universal humanity of families, cutting across boundaries of race, religion and nationality.
It turns out the house is the home of one of the producers' cousins and many of the costumes come from family and friends. It definitely has the feel of authenticity.
The film deserves my 10 star rating because despite the plot being relatively predictable in places, it still entertains and has its poignant moments. This is really the kind of film that one can watch again --even streaming.
The movie shows the universal humanity of families, cutting across boundaries of race, religion and nationality.
It turns out the house is the home of one of the producers' cousins and many of the costumes come from family and friends. It definitely has the feel of authenticity.
The film deserves my 10 star rating because despite the plot being relatively predictable in places, it still entertains and has its poignant moments. This is really the kind of film that one can watch again --even streaming.
3 dimensional muslim women
fahad-2023 August 2021
It is a wonderful movie! Full of life. The fact that I got to see 3 dimensional muslim female character in an American setting was very gratifying. I loved the humor the seriousness of it all. Must watch for everyone.
Might make me a rom-com fan after all
kbwc-5460016 March 2022
I'm typically not a rom-com fan, but this movie is simply delightful. It's funny and heartwarming but never shies away from addressing the very important issues Muslim-Americans face -- both from non-Muslims and within the Muslim community. The acting is terrific all-around, and writer/director/producer Iman Zawahry and her crew have created a truly wonderful package all around -- the script, the costumes, the settings, the music.
I very much hope to be able to bring family and friends to see this movie in theaters in the near future. It's no surprise that American-ish ihas been winning "audience choice" awards in every film festival at which it has been screened.
I very much hope to be able to bring family and friends to see this movie in theaters in the near future. It's no surprise that American-ish ihas been winning "audience choice" awards in every film festival at which it has been screened.
What a fun movie!
willn-1623624 April 2022
Relatable Feel Good Movie
naureenbukhari28 January 2022
Prepare for deep emotions, deeper laughs
shirley_regis16 March 2022
You don't have to be a Muslim, an immigrant, or a woman to get this movie's message. We're all striving to achieve dreams, while being recognized for our true worth. Deep subject(s) for a rom(ish) com(ish)! Definitely worth seeing!!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews