A Family Affair’ is a delightful film ideal for a casual evening viewing, as I discovered myself. This modern production captures life’s humor and essence adeptly, though it occasionally lacks depth, leaving certain scenes feeling shallow and underdeveloped, especially where greater substance is anticipated.
Zara Ford (played by Joey King) is Hollywood star Chris Cole’s (Zac Efron) devoted assistant. She handles everything from mundane chores to discreetly handling expensive gifts for Chris’s girlfriends during breakups.
Zara lives with her mother Brooke (Nicole Kidman), a single mother and respected writer navigating her own path in life.
It’s uncommon to find a romantic comedy featuring such a high-caliber cast including Kidman and Efron, while Joey King proves herself not far behind with her role in the ‘Kissing Booth’ series.
Zac Efron, from his ‘High School Musical’ days to more recent roles like in ‘Baywatch’, brings vitality to his less-than-grateful character in the film.
The dynamic between Zac and Joey adds an enjoyable layer to the film, providing moments of laughter and relaxation. However, the connection between Efron’s and Kidman’s characters can feel superficial at times.
Frustrated by her boss’s empty promises and constant demands, Zara eventually quits. When Chris visits her home to coax her back, he encounters her mother instead, sparking a connection that could have been explored further but evolves swiftly into romance.
All three characters are on journeys of self-discovery and finding peace, though complications arise when emotions become entangled, presenting the central challenge of the storyline.
‘A Family Affair’ epitomizes a Netflix movie, favoring brevity over depth. Despite a relatable plot and strong performances, the pacing and character development feel rushed and surface-level.
The romantic subplot between Chris and Brooke lacks genuine emotional depth, relying more on clichés than authentic connection. Carrie Solomon’s script touches on themes of trust, love, and self-discovery promisingly but settles for shallow characterizations and convenient plot resolutions.
While the film attempts to address significant life experiences, it falls short in execution, making it a forgettable entry in Netflix’s rom-com collection. It offers light-hearted entertainment for genre enthusiasts but fails to leave a lasting impact, missing the chance to create something truly memorable.
Despite its notable cast and polished production, the film’s lack of depth relegates it to a comfortable watch for a relaxing evening.
Unlike Zac and Nicole’s previous collaboration in ‘The Paperboy’ (2013), this film lacks in-depth character development.
Chris’s character could have undergone a more gradual and meaningful transformation, while Brooke’s journey could have been explored further to reveal her true aspirations in life.
Despite its shortcomings, ‘A Family Affair’ touches on several universal human experiences including trust, love, identity, and career aspirations, showing that ultimately, we all seek love, care, and a sense of purpose.
It’s a pleasant and charming film, not without flaws but comforting—a perfect choice for unwinding after a busy day. It promises a cozy evening and some laughs for fans of romantic comedies, despite not being a standout Netflix offering.
