Key Takeaways:
– The romantic comedy defies expectations with developed characters steering clear of cliches.
– Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron deliver compelling performances with their genuine on-screen chemistry.
– The film offers a refreshing take on a love story between an employer and an employee.
– Despite initial reservations, the movie is more entertaining than the trailer suggests.
– “A Family Affair” manages to poke fun at Hollywood and age-gap relationships in a light and relatable manner.
“A Family Affair” is a new romantic comedy that has hit the ground running, casting a net of pleasant surprises and comedic turns around its audiences. Initially, speculators of the trailer had their brows raised in skepticism. With big actors like Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, Joey King, and Kathy Bates taking on roles in the genre – was this a career backslide, they wondered. However, the final product brings a refreshing change.
Not Your Usual Romantic Comedy
Unlike many in its genre that lean hard on cliched tropes, “A Family Affair” has a uniqueness that sets it apart. The film does not rely heavily on the usual route to pull its humor, but instead uses the characters and their relationships to bring in light-heartedness and wit. This approach is boosted remarkably by the strong cast, with Kidman, Efron, and King, who manage to balance the fun and seriousness of their roles, all the while making the audience giggle at timely jabs at Hollywood and relationships with a wide age gap.
A Reunion Set In An Unexpected Romance
“A Family Affair” sees Kidman and Efron reunite on screen after their work together in “The Paperboy” around a dozen years ago. Kidman plays the mother of Joey King's character, while Efron is the movie star boss. The crux of the story revolves around the complications that ensue when Kidman and Efron's characters unexpectedly fall in love, leading to a comic range of reactions from Kidman's on-screen daughter and Efron's assistant, played by King.
A Story That Plays On Perception
While it may seem like highly comic romance from the outset, “A Family Affair further explores facets of relationships and perceptions. It's not just about the humorous journey of these three characters, but also an introspective look at how perception can differ from reality in relationships, spotlighting the misunderstandings that can occur.
Familiar Faces in Supporting Roles
In addition to the star-studded main cast, audiences can expect to see recognisable faces in supporting roles. Liza Koshy as King's best friend and Kathy Bates as King's grandmother both lend value to the film despite their short screen times.
A Unique Relationship Dynamic
Scripted by Carrie Solomon and directed by Richard LaGravenese, “A Family Affair” is not your usual romantic comedy love triangle. It encapsulates the dynamic between boss and employee, and the ever-evolving friendships, adding wrinkles to an otherwise straightforward storyline, and making it more engaging.
Closing Thoughts
Sure, “A Family Affair” has its setbacks. The film could have got its point across in a lesser runtime, some might argue. However, it is a simple, light-hearted choice for your next Netflix night. A refreshing exploration of relationships, with some Hollywood humor, topped with noteworthy performances, makes “A Family Affair” a relatively compelling watch. Trust me, this one's way better than it appears in its trailer. So just get your popcorn, sit back, relax, and dive into this unexpected cinematic treat.
