The “older woman dates younger man” trope is seeing a resumption”, and this time, it’s explored in the new romantic comedy “A Family Affair.” Following closely on the heels of “The Idea of You,” this film pairs Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron in a story that could easily be dubbed “The Idea of My Movie-Star Boss Sleeping With My Mom.” While the intriguing pairing of Kidman and Efron might spark initial curiosity, the movie struggles to maintain momentum due to a somewhat uninspired storyline.

A New Take on the Rom-Com Formula

“A Family Affair” brings a fresh, although slightly worn-out, concept to the rom-com genre. The film focuses on the complicated dynamics that unfold when a young woman’s boss starts dating her mother. Despite its promising premise, the film often falls flat, lacking the spark and charm typically expected from a romantic comedy.

The story centres around Zara (played by Joey King), a young woman working as an assistant to Chris Cole (Zac Efron), a famous actor known for his role as a superhero named Icarus Rush. Chris embodies many celebrity stereotypes, frequently sending Zara on trivial errands, such as buying isolated whey protein. Zara is frustrated with her job and frequently considers quitting, just as Chris often threatens to fire her.

The plot thickens when Chris ends up at Zara’s home, where she lives with her mother, Brooke (Nicole Kidman). Brooke is a successful author who has been widowed for some time. After some initial awkwardness, Chris and Brooke develop a romantic relationship, much to Zara’s dismay. Brooke’s newfound romance with Chris revives her spirits, leaving her “starting to feel things again.”

The Age Gap Twist

One of the film’s central themes is the age difference between Brooke and Chris. Brooke tries to downplay the 16-year age gap, which, while significant, she argues is not unconquerable. Zara, however, is horrified by the relationship, struggling to come to terms with her mother dating her boss. This tension creates a humorous yet emotional backdrop for the story.

While the film aims to be a romantic comedy, the humour is unpredictable. The interactions between Zara and Chris provide some laughs, particularly with Chris’s over-the-top celebrity antics. However, the comedy often feels forced, and the romantic elements lack the depth needed to truly engage the audience.

Performances and Chemistry

The performances of the lead actors are commendable. Nicole Kidman brings her usual grace and charisma to the role of Brooke, portraying a woman rediscovering love and passion later in life. Zac Efron, as the self-absorbed yet charming Chris, delivers a solid performance, adding layers to his character that go beyond the typical Hollywood stereotype. Joey King as Zara provides a grounded, relatable performance, capturing the frustration and mystification of a young woman caught in an awkward and unexpected situation.

Despite the actors’ best efforts, the chemistry between Kidman and Efron feels somewhat forced. Their relationship, meant to be the film’s emotional core, doesn’t quite sizzle as expected. This lack of chemistry makes it challenging for viewers to fully invest in their romance.

Themes and Takeaways

“A Family Affair” attempts to explore several themes, including the complexities of love, the challenges of ageing, and the societal perceptions of age-gap relationships. While these are worthwhile topics, the film only scratches the surface, failing to delve deeply into the emotional hint that could make the story more compelling.

One of the more successful aspects of the film is its portrayal of the mother-daughter relationship. Zara’s discomfort with her mother’s new relationship and Brooke’s desire to embrace life again create a relatable and heartfelt dynamic. Their interactions provide some of the film’s more touching moments, highlighting the bond between them despite their differing perspectives on love and relationships.

In summary, “A Family Affair” brings together an intriguing cast and an interesting premise but struggles to fully deliver on its potential. The film’s exploration of age-gap romance is timely, yet it lacks the depth and spark needed to make it truly memorable. Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron’s performances are commendable, but their on-screen chemistry falls short, leaving the central romance somewhat flat.

For those who enjoy light-hearted romantic comedies with a twist, “A Family Affair” might still offer some entertainment value. The film’s humorous moments and heartfelt mother-daughter dynamics provide a few highlights in an otherwise uneven narrative. Streaming platforms, including Prime Video, make it easily accessible for a casual watch.