Age-gap romances are a beloved trope in film, often offering a fresh dynamic between characters. Like Amazon’s “The Idea of You,” the premise of “A Family Affair” explores this familiar territory, pairing a younger, famous man with an older, seemingly ordinary woman. The narrative splits between Zara Ford, aspiring to film production and leveraging her celebrity boss, Chris Cole, and her mother, Brooke Harwood, an author who unexpectedly connects with Zara’s boss. While romance movies thrive on familiar tropes, their success hinges on chemistry, plot innovation, and compelling performances. Unfortunately, “A Family Affair” falters on several of these crucial aspects. This review will delve into why this film struggles to deliver, ultimately impacting A Family Affair Rating.
Romance movies often succeed by embracing clichés, and audiences generally appreciate the comfort they provide. What truly distinguishes a great romance is the spark between the leads and a plot that attempts to deviate from the predictable, offering something slightly more sophisticated, or at least showcasing strong acting. “A Family Affair” attempts to navigate these waters, but unfortunately, it encounters significant turbulence.
One of the most glaring issues is the palpable lack of chemistry between the supposed romantic leads, Nicole Kidman (Brook Harwood) and Zac Efron (Chris Cole). While the age difference isn’t inherently problematic, the on-screen pairing feels remarkably flat. Compounding this issue, the extensive cosmetic work both actors have visibly undergone becomes a distracting element. Instead of becoming immersed in the characters’ connection, viewers might find themselves preoccupied with the actors’ altered appearances. Had there been genuine chemistry, these distractions might have been more easily overlooked.
Adding to the film’s woes is the acting, which, with the exception of Joey King and Kathy Bates, falls short. Kidman and Efron, in particular, deliver performances that are surprisingly lackluster. Efron’s portrayal, at times, resembles the quality seen in made-for-TV movies. Joey King, playing Zara Ford, and Kathy Bates, as Kidman’s mother-in-law, emerge as the film’s saving graces. King’s storyline, centered around her character’s ambitions, presents an engaging angle, and her performance is a highlight, arguably carrying the film’s watchability. However, the central romance plotline fails to generate any real excitement or romantic tension.
The timing of “A Family Affair”‘s release, following closely on the heels of another age-gap romance film starring Anne Hathaway that also suffered from a lack of lead chemistry, further diminishes its impact. Despite a potentially workable plot, the film is ultimately undermined by the miscasting of Kidman and Efron, whose performances detract from, rather than enhance, the overall experience.
In conclusion, while “A Family Affair” might offer some mild entertainment value solely due to the performances of Joey King and Kathy Bates, it largely misses the mark as a compelling romance. The critical flaw lies in the absence of chemistry between the leads and the underwhelming performances from Kidman and Efron. For those seeking a heartwarming romance, this film is likely to disappoint. Therefore, a family affair rating would have to reflect these shortcomings, suggesting viewers might be better served exploring other romantic comedies.
