“A Family Affair” Falls Short Despite Star Power and Promising Premise

“A Family Affair,” Netflix’s latest foray into the romantic comedy genre, arrives with high expectations but ultimately delivers a mixed bag of emotions and missed opportunities. Directed by Richard LaGravenese and penned by Carrie Solomon, the film, which debuted on the streaming platform on June 28, 2024, boasts an impressive cast but fails to fully capitalize on its intriguing premise.

The story centers around three main characters: Brooke Harwood (Nicole Kidman), an introspective, award-winning writer grappling with writer’s block in the wake of her husband’s passing; Chris Cole (Zac Efron), a franchise movie star who seems disconnected from reality; and Zara Ford (Joey King), Brooke’s daughter and Chris’s diligent personal assistant who harbors aspirations of becoming a producer.

From its opening scenes, “A Family Affair” promises a heady blend of romance and the glitz of showbiz. However, it quickly settles into a more mundane rhythm, struggling to find its footing between drama and comedy. The film touches on universal themes of love, family, friendship, and the spirit of Christmas, aiming for relatability on multiple levels. Yet, in its attempt to cover so much ground, it often fails to delve deep enough into any single aspect to leave an impression.

One of the movie’s strengths lies in its exploration of various forms of love. Not just the romantic connection between Brooke and Chris but, also, the complexities of familial relationships. This multi-faceted approach to love provides moments of genuine emotion and relatability. However, these moments are often undercut by the film’s inability to fully commit to its emotional core.

The narrative suffers from a constant tug-of-war, alternately drawing viewers in and pushing them away. Potentially immersive, tear-jerking scenes lack the necessary je ne sais quoi (I don’t know what) to truly resonate with the audience. This inconsistency in emotional engagement is perhaps the film’s biggest flaw, preventing viewers from fully investing in the characters’ journeys.

Character development is another area where “A Family Affair” falls short. While the storyline suggests dynamic character arcs, the cast’s performances often feel static and one-dimensional. The dialogue is peppered with deep meanings, life lessons, literary references, and attempts at humor, but these elements fail to translate into compelling on-screen chemistry or believable character growth.

The central romance between Brooke and Chris is particularly problematic. Their attraction is established too early in the film, leaving little room for the development of simmering desire or consuming passion. This premature connection robs the audience of the enjoyable tension and anticipation typically associated with the genre.

On the technical side, the film’s costume design stands out as a highlight. The wardrobe choices effectively convey the characters’ social standings, personalities, and age ranges. Brooke’s button-down shirts peeking out from sweaters, Chris’s crisp, pressed shirts with suit jackets and suspender pants, and Zara’s trendy t-shirts and ripped jeans all work to enhance character portrayal visually.

The movie’s attempts at comedy are haphazard, with the overall humor falling short of expectations. While there are moments of effective slapstick and irony that elicit genuine laughs, these instances are too very rare to salvage the film’s comedic aspirations.

“A Family Affair” also misses opportunities to explore potentially rich narrative veins. The “forbidden love” trope of an older woman and younger man relationship, along with its potential consequences such as social judgment and professional repercussions, is barely touched upon. This lack of depth is particularly noticeable when compared to contemporary rom-coms like “The Idea of You” and “A Perfect Find,” which tackle similar themes with more nuance and impact.

LaGravenese’s direction, while competent, fails to elevate the material beyond its basic premise. The film often tells rather than shows, relying too heavily on dialogue to convey emotions and plot developments. This approach results in a disconnect between what viewers are meant to feel and what actually transpires on screen. More inventive cinematography could have enhanced the storytelling and helped bridge this gap.

Despite its shortcomings, “A Family Affair” is not without merit. It offers moments of warmth and insight into human relationships, particularly in its exploration of family dynamics. The film’s holiday setting provides a cozy backdrop that may appeal to viewers seeking light, seasonal entertainment.

However, for a movie featuring such a stellar cast, including Kidman and Efron, “A Family Affair” feels like a missed opportunity. With more finely tuned directing, in-depth characterization, and sharper humor, it could have been a standout entry in Netflix’s romantic comedy lineup.

Release Date: 28 June 2024

Streaming service: Netflix

Runtime: 1 hour 53 minutes

Director: Richard LaGravenese

Cast: Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, Joey King, Kathy Bates, Liza Koshy