Romance movies often thrive on familiar tropes, delivering comfort and predictability to audiences. The success of these films hinges on chemistry, a compelling plot that offers a fresh twist, or exceptional performances that elevate the material. Unfortunately, A Family Affair stumbles on numerous fronts, failing to deliver the romantic spark it promises. While Kathy Bates and Joey King offer some redeeming qualities, the film is largely let down by its central pairing.
One of the most significant issues lies in the supposed romance between Brooke Harwood (Nicole Kidman) and Chris Cole (Zac Efron). Despite the age-gap premise, a common trope in itself, the fundamental problem is the complete absence of chemistry between Kidman and Efron. This lack of connection is glaringly obvious, making it difficult to invest in their on-screen relationship. Adding to the distraction, both actors’ altered appearances due to cosmetic procedures become hard to ignore, further hindering any potential immersion in the narrative. Even with a forgiving eye towards typical romantic movie clichés, the void of chemistry here is simply too vast to overlook.
The acting further compounds the film’s weaknesses. Kidman and Efron, as the romantic leads, deliver performances that can only be described as lackluster. Efron, in particular, seems to operate at a level more akin to a B-movie or Hallmark production, lacking the nuance and depth needed for a convincing romantic lead. In stark contrast, Joey King as Zara Ford, and Kathy Bates as her grandmother, provide the film’s only sparks of genuine talent. King, in particular, shines, injecting energy and believability into her role as the daughter caught in the middle of this unconventional romance. Her performance single-handedly elevates the watchability of A Family Affair, proving to be a significant bright spot in an otherwise dim cinematic landscape.
While the subplot involving Zara Ford navigating her career aspirations alongside her mother’s unexpected romance holds a degree of intrigue, the overarching narrative fails to truly captivate. The film struggles to generate any genuine romantic tension or excitement, resulting in a rather underwhelming experience. Compounding its woes, A Family Affair‘s release closely follows another similarly themed movie starring Anne Hathaway, which also suffered from a lack of chemistry between its leads. This timing further diminishes the impact of A Family Affair, making it feel derivative and uninspired. Despite a premise that held some promise, the film ultimately falters due to the miscasting and underwhelming performances of its central couple.
In conclusion, A Family Affair is a disappointing entry in the age-gap romance genre. The severe lack of chemistry between Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron, coupled with their subpar acting, overshadows any potential the plot may have held. The film is only marginally saved by the commendable performances of Joey King and Kathy Bates. If you decide to watch A Family Affair, lower your expectations and perhaps focus on King and Bates’ scenes – they are the only elements that prevent this movie from being a complete cinematic misfire.
