What “A Family Affair” Lacks in Chemistry Makes Up In Laughs [MOVIE REVIEW]

The idea of an older man with a younger woman has always been seen as the norm, but when the roles are reversed and an older woman desires a younger man then all of a sudden it’s seen as taboo. While wider age gaps seem to be looked down upon across the board, I’m a believer that two consenting adults can’t help who they fall in love with. That’s a theme in the Netflix film “A Family Affair,” which premiered June 28, starring Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, and Joey King.

Liza Koshy as Eugenie and Joey King as Zara Ford in “A Family Affair.” Photo: Netflix

Written by Carrie Solomon and directed by Richard LaGravenese, Joey King plays Zara Ford, assistant to high maintenance movie star Chris Cole (Efron). Zara is 24 and desperately trying to navigate life and her career that she feels is a failure compared to her successful writer mother Brooke Harwood (Kidman) – who is still grieving the death of her husband and Zara’s father. In an attempt to make a move in the right direction Zara quits her demanding job with Chris. When he realizes how much of an asset Zara is to his life, Chris goes to her home ready to ask Zara to come back to work for him, but instead trades shots of tequila with Brooke waiting for Zara and ends up in bed with her. The rest of the film chronicles Brooke and Chris’ relationship while Zara comes to terms that her mom is more than just her mom, but a woman.

(L-R) Joey King as Zara Ford, Nicole Kidman as Brooke Harwood, and Kathy Bates as Leila Ford in “A Family Affair.” Photo: Netflix

Back in May Prime Video’s “The Idea of You” brought the love story of Solène and Hayes from book to screen with Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine starring in the wildly popular film which followed a divorcee falling for the significantly younger lead singer of her teen daughter’s once favorite boy band. The thing that worked with “The Idea of You” is the insane chemistry between the leads despite all the sexiness from the book missing in the screen adaptation. Unfortunately for “A Family Affair” the chemistry between Nicole and Zac wasn’t there for me so their relationship wasn’t something I was rooting for. I know the pair played love interests of sorts in the 2012 film “The Paperboy,” but the love wasn’t palpable in this one.

Nicole Kidman as Brooke Harwood and
Zac Efron as Chris Cole in “A Family Affair.” Photo: Netflix

What I did enjoy was the chemistry between Joey and Zac. All their scenes with Zara navigating Chris’s diva behavior was very funny to me especially the scene when she quits. I also found humor in the absurdity of Zara still going to a pediatrician, the film Chris was working on, and Zac’s comedic timing in general. I really like him as a comedic actor.

Joey King as Zara Ford and Zac Efron as Chris Cole in “A Family Affair.” Photo: Netflix

Overall “A Family Affair” is your standard rom com with no major shocking revelations, but leans into the message that women can be and are more than one role. They can be mothers and have a blooming career. They can be desired at any age and reinvent themselves when they deem fit. They can find love, lose it, and find it again. Struggle in their careers and be a voice of reason. In a word… women can be everything.

“A Family Affair” is streaming now on Netflix.

Have you watched “A Family Affair” on Netflix yet? What did you think about the movie? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Photo: Netflix