Key Takeaways:
– “A Family Affair” on Netflix stars Joey King, Zac Efron, and Nicole Kidman in a rom-com.
– The film has great chemistry and delivers lots of laughs despite the predictable third act.
– Focuses on a mother-daughter relationship complicated by a shared love interest.
– The film is worth watching for the humor, heart, and stellar performances, despite some clichés.
Netflix's new rom-com “A Family Affair” brings an unusual twist to the genre. Inspired by the classic Mrs. Robinson icon, we see an older woman getting involved with a much younger, attractive man. Considering how typical these flicks can be, I was pleasantly surprised by the film's strong chemistry, comedic timing, and dynamic interactions.
Dynamic Trio Brings Laughter to “A Family Affair”
“A Family Affair” revolves around a young woman named Zara (Joey King), who works as a personal assistant to Chris Cole (Zac Efron), a Hollywood heartthrob. Despite her ambition, Zara ends up catering to Chris' whims. However, life soon gets knotty when Chris falls for Zara's mother Brooke (Nicole Kidman), a noted writer who hasn't dated since the death of Zara's father.
The chemistry in the film is stronger than what you usually see in rom-coms. The dynamic and hilarious comedic timing between King and Efron is worth noting. Their relationship keeps the audience hooked along their journey – right up to the climactic end.
Traditional Third Act Falls into Rom-Com Trap
However, the film isn't entirely immune to rom-com clichés. The script falls into the trap, adopting a predictable trajectory as we reach the third act. As a result, the plot becomes a little too familiar, echoing several other films in the genre.
Performance Makes “A Family Affair” Worth the Watch
Despite these hitches, the performances and humor in “A Family Affair” make it worth the watch. The cast includes a group of talented actors known for their comedic timing. King and Efron showcase their skills through their characters' humorous dialogues, clever wordplay and comic relief.
On the other hand, Nicole Kidman's portrayal of Brooke provides a warm and relatable peek into motherhood and its trials. Her bond with her on-screen daughter, Zara, and her own mother (Kathy Bates) adds a touch of reality that makes the movie all the more appealing.
Could “A Family Affair” Have Been Better?
Certainly, “A Family Affair” could have been more satisfying if it veered away from the typical genre ending. A more layered climax that allowed its central characters to evolve from their romantic quagmire would have added a nice touch.
Nevertheless, “A Family Affair” leaves an imprint with its strong approach to comedy and a multifaceted depiction of the mother-daughter relationship, giving it a charm that makes it a good watch for even the most casual rom-com fan.
In conclusion, “A Family Affair”, though marred slightly by clichés, succeeds in drawing laughs and offers a heartwarming portrayal of familial ties. If you enjoy movies of this genre or are a fan of the cast's work, this movie is definitely worth a watch. You can stream “A Family Affair”, featuring the brilliant performances of Zac Efron, Joey King, and Nicole Kidman, on Netflix.
