A Family Affair: Zac Efron and Nicole Kidman Shine in Netflix's Latest Rom-Com

A Family Affair: Zac Efron and Nicole Kidman Shine in Netflix’s Latest Rom-Com

A Family Affair is the latest romantic comedy to hit Netflix, and it’s a classic white wine rom-com if we’ve ever seen one. Directed by Richard LaGravenese and written by Carrie Solomon, the film reunites Zac Efron with his The Paper Boy co-star Nicole Kidman, and adds Joey King to make a different kind of unconventional love triangle.

Efron plays Chris Cole, a movie star who starts sleeping with his assistant’s mom, Brooke (Kidman), in a relationship that’s as banal as it is intriguing. The couple’s frolics on a backlot set and even a Big Fat Liar-esque dress-up scene give way to Chris giving a monologue about finding fame as a teenager. It’s a meta-commentary on Efron’s own career, and it’s hard not to see the parallels.

Meanwhile, King’s character Zara is stuck in rush hour traffic, catering to Chris’s every whim as his assistant. Her shock at discovering Chris and her mom getting it on is understandable, but the lack of real conflict is where the film falters. Zara’s storyline feels like it’s in a different film, and it’s hard not to feel like she’s being pitted against Kidman and Efron.

“I didn’t know who Icarus was.” - Chris Cole

Despite this, Efron shines as the ideal mix of action hero star and sensitive man-child. His relationship with Brooke is a perfect blend of romance and comedy, and their chemistry on screen is undeniable. Even a scene where Chris sings along to Cher’s Do You Believe in Love After Love is a highlight of the film.

A Family Affair may not stand up against other rom-coms like The Idea of You, but it’s still a lovely reminder of how much the rom-com world has missed Zac Efron. With Netflix’s knack for helping beloved actors return to their former glory, Efron makes the most of his time to shine.

Kathy Bates is cast as Kidman’s book editor mother-in-law, a sly nod to her iconic turn in Misery. It’s a small but welcome addition to the film.

A Family Affair may not be a game-changer, but it’s a fun, lighthearted rom-com that’s perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. And who knows? It might just resonate with audiences of a certain age.

A Family Affair is available to stream on Netflix starting Friday, June 28.