There isn’t much I detest more than a lazy, by-the-book romantic comedy that plays it too safe. That was my initial fear when watching A Family Affair, a Mrs. Robinson-inspired Netflix streamer where two attractive people with a significant age gap find “love” while being rich, white, and all at the same time.
However, I was taken aback by the chemistry and the dynamic interactions between the three leads. In particular, the brother-sister-esque comedic timing between young stars Joey King and Zac Efron is always amusing and often hilarious. That alone keeps A Family Affair entertaining enough to carry the audience to the end.
It’s unfortunate that the script delves into third-act clichés straight from the rom-com playbook, step by step.
Netflix’s A Family Affair Review and Synopsis
The story follows a young woman named Zara (King), the personal assistant to one of those Ryan or Chris Hollywood star types. That man’s name is Chris Cole (Efron), a late-thirty-something actor who has been coasting on his good looks in a bad action franchise with a title that would make Rob Schneider envious. Zara took a job as Chris’s assistant as a means to an end.
What she really wants to do is be a producer. However, all she seems to do is cater to Chris’s needless whims and feed into his immature behavior. He makes Zara write him an apology note every time he makes a mistake, and she always keeps a pair of “break-up” earrings on hand when things get too serious with a woman, which makes Leonardo DiCaprio’s dating history seem sane.
However, that is all about to change when Chris meets his own Mrs. Robinson. That would be Zara’s mother, Brooke Harwood (Nicole Kidman), a notable writer and script doctor who hasn’t dated in a decade since Zara’s father passed away. After their chance meeting, they start a torrid affair that brings all sorts of personal and professional complications.
A Family Affair is Often Hilarious with a Third Act Letdown
Besides the cast, A Family Affair has quite the pedigree behind the camera. The movie is directed by Richard LaGravenese, known for films such as The Fisher King, The Bridges of Madison County, and A Little Princess. Also produced by the well-respected Joe Roth, they helped shape a script from Carrie Solomon, who undoubtedly based it on her experience as a producer.
The film is hilarious, especially when it comes to stars Joey King and Zac Efron, who bring a comic strip-like quality to their roles. The dialogue and situational comedy between them feature plenty of clever dialogue, wordplay, and comic relief, highlighting exaggerated character traits. This is particularly evident in Efron’s character, whose naivety is simultaneously ridiculous and adorable.
The banter between them has a sarcastic bite when it comes from King’s Zara. Solomon’s script delves into cliches when it comes to her relationship with Nicole Kidman’s Brooke and her grandmother (Kathy Bates). You know, at odds with the mother, relies on the grandparent for wisdom. Yet, it’s enjoyable to see three generations of women enjoy each other’s company.
Is Netflix’s A Family Affair Worth Watching?
While A Family Affair is worth watching, especially for fans of the genre and its stars Zac Efron, Joey King, and Nicole Kidman, the third act will either be good comfort food or come across as the same reheated dinner. Though I must admit, the production bit that aims to please is charming and even endearing; you’ve seen it a thousand times before.
For instance (spoiler ahead), wouldn’t it have been just as satisfying if Solomon’s script went with the realization that the affair between two lovers with vastly different life experiences helped both of them out of their ruts without necessarily leading to the “life goes on” ending that genre films are so fond of?
That would have made for a much stronger film. Still, A Family Affair remains a high-quality genre movie with enough humor and heart through the first two acts to garner a mild recommendation even for the casual rom-com fan.
You can stream the Zac Efron, Joey King, and Nicole Kidman film A Family Affair only on Netflix.
6/10
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