A Family Affair is a hilariously good time, brought to another level with the remarkable chemistry at play, something that’s not even hurt by some predictable twists and turns. Zac Efron and Nicole Kidman are dynamite together, as Kings Of Leon would say the “sex is on fire” between the pair. A snotty actor (Efron) and a highly regarded author (Kidman) coincidentally connect when Joey King’s Zara enters the mix. Efron’s Chris Cole is Zara’s boss and Kidman’s Brooke happens to be her mother. Naturally when sparks start to fly, Zara becomes instantly wary of their connection. 

 

In Director Richard LaGravenese’s first film in ten years, it’s easy to be impressed with such a terrific outing by Kidman, Efron, and King, with the legendary Kathy Bates as the cherry on top. The film plays out like a riveting fan-crafted romance, pairing a woman in her 50s with a younger man in his 30s - laying on the idea that age is merely a number. The romance can be spun as a fling or could be the start of something much more deep, the only thing standing in their way is Zara’s doubt. It’s a really wonderful romantic comedy with an energetic relationship at the head between Chris and Brooke. Zara’s toxic negativity towards this blossoming relationship makes it difficult to relate to her understandable distaste towards her boss and mom becoming an item. 

 

Bates has a minimal role in the film but her small time on screen glows brightly as she is the perfect representation of parental guidance and encouragement for Kidman. She’s light hearted and easy to like as she beams with a willingness to move forward. These slight moments between Bates and Kidman lead to some heartfelt drama that strengthens their bond, almost conjuring a tear. 

 

Where the film could have been fleshed out more thoroughly is in the Hollywood lifestyle of Chris Cole. We get to see him on set briefly but it’d be great to have seen him make it to the film’s premiere or do other high profile events around Tinseltown. Let Chris Cole take on the full identity of Vinny Chase for a bit, have a bit of fun around town. That’s the flair this romance was missing, a wrongfully incriminating photo from the paparazzi perhaps. A Family Affair lacks stakes because it all comes down to Zara’s approval, something that further reiterates how self centered she is as an individual. Liza Koshy plays her “best friend” Eugenia and she’s such a waste as a character that hardly has time to express anything beyond being an ear for Zara to chirp to.

 

Joey King is easily the worst character, but that’s obviously crafted as such on purpose. The audience is meant to believe that Chris Cole is a horrific boss, which he certainly could be with his temper tantrums but it’s also possible Zara is largely at fault. The more time we spend with Zara alone and Chris with Brooke, the perspective shifts drastically. 

 

A Family Affair was a real surprise on all fronts, taking what could’ve been simply a cheesy romance and adding some distinguished heart to it. The characters are vibrant and real, it’s easy to hate some and love others. Efron and Kidman showcase how terrific they can be and make this a love story worth witnessing the beginning of.