A surprising romance kicks off comic consequences for a young woman, her mother, and her movie-star boss as they face the complications of love, sex, and identity.A surprising romance kicks off comic consequences for a young woman, her mother, and her movie-star boss as they face the complications of love, sex, and identity.A surprising romance kicks off comic consequences for a young woman, her mother, and her movie-star boss as they face the complications of love, sex, and identity.
- Awards
- 1 win total
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
It's a standardized, stale romance that pales in comparison to the recent "The Idea of You" which had a lot more charm, even when that movie wasn't amazing. But it felt a lot cuter than this one and Anne Hathaway made it a lot more believable.
In "A Family Affair" though, the chemistry is visible in the faces of the two main actors instead of between them. That only furthers the artificiality of it all.
The plot evolves in a predictable way, on the acting side there are no standouts and it's directed without much flair. It's astonishing that all the prominent names behind and before the camera agreed to make such a nothing of a movie.
In "A Family Affair" though, the chemistry is visible in the faces of the two main actors instead of between them. That only furthers the artificiality of it all.
The plot evolves in a predictable way, on the acting side there are no standouts and it's directed without much flair. It's astonishing that all the prominent names behind and before the camera agreed to make such a nothing of a movie.
Nicole Kidman, judging solely by the expensive LA-area home of hers, is successful author Brooke Harwood. Her husband passed away some 11 years earlier and she is living a mostly quiet life with a 24-yr-old daughter who has moved back in while trying to get her movie or TV production career energized.
Her daughter works as an assistant for an often juvenile, demanding, and entitled actor, played by Zac Efron as Chris Cole. Strictly by accident Chris meets Brooke, not even knowing who she is. He is smitten, even though later the two characters say that he is 16 years younger than Brooke. (In real life Kidman is 21 years older than Efron.)
The daughter is played by Joey King as Zara Ford. King is one of the better actresses of her generation and her role here is no exception. In fact, even though Kidman and Efron are the bigger stars, and much of the focus in on their budding relationship, the story is more Zara's story. She knows Chris very well and she desperately wants to convince her mother that he is not good for her. Zara's character arc is to respect her mother and her choices.
The whole movie is more about Zara than anything else.
Also in a very good role is veteran Kathy Bates as the grandma, Leila Ford. She has a special relationship with Zara and is instrumental in helping her face reality.
My wife and I watched it streaming, it is a better movie than we thought it was going to be.
Her daughter works as an assistant for an often juvenile, demanding, and entitled actor, played by Zac Efron as Chris Cole. Strictly by accident Chris meets Brooke, not even knowing who she is. He is smitten, even though later the two characters say that he is 16 years younger than Brooke. (In real life Kidman is 21 years older than Efron.)
The daughter is played by Joey King as Zara Ford. King is one of the better actresses of her generation and her role here is no exception. In fact, even though Kidman and Efron are the bigger stars, and much of the focus in on their budding relationship, the story is more Zara's story. She knows Chris very well and she desperately wants to convince her mother that he is not good for her. Zara's character arc is to respect her mother and her choices.
The whole movie is more about Zara than anything else.
Also in a very good role is veteran Kathy Bates as the grandma, Leila Ford. She has a special relationship with Zara and is instrumental in helping her face reality.
My wife and I watched it streaming, it is a better movie than we thought it was going to be.
I am a bit of a sucker for films that don't require much thought. I love romances and I am all for something light-hearted.
There is no chemistry between Kidman and Efron. Their interactions are uncomfortable and unbelieveable. Kidman is a great actress but this was not the right film for her talents.
I didn't mind the concept or the scrips and I could have happily watched this film multiple times if casting had worked better. Chemistry is so vital.
Joey King is good as is Kathy Bates but that is it.
If you want an age difference romance with leads that are credible and naturally pleasing I recommend The Idea of You with Anne Hathaway and Nicolas Galitzine - chemistry that is believable.
There is no chemistry between Kidman and Efron. Their interactions are uncomfortable and unbelieveable. Kidman is a great actress but this was not the right film for her talents.
I didn't mind the concept or the scrips and I could have happily watched this film multiple times if casting had worked better. Chemistry is so vital.
Joey King is good as is Kathy Bates but that is it.
If you want an age difference romance with leads that are credible and naturally pleasing I recommend The Idea of You with Anne Hathaway and Nicolas Galitzine - chemistry that is believable.
I love rom coms and enjoyed this light fun one on a Sunday morning having breakfast in bed.
Great acting from Kathy Bates and Joey King.
Horrific surgery from Nicole and Zac led to this being hard to watch. Nicole can't express with that face anymore. The chemistry between them was non existent.
I enjoyed the premise and we had a few laughs but I'm glad we didn't go to the cinema and drop coin on this movie.
Husband and I came straight to the reviews to see if everyone agreed with us and they do.
Please cast Kidman opposite someone her own age next time. I just really wish the surgery wasn't a thing. Age gracefully please people. It's painful to see.
Great acting from Kathy Bates and Joey King.
Horrific surgery from Nicole and Zac led to this being hard to watch. Nicole can't express with that face anymore. The chemistry between them was non existent.
I enjoyed the premise and we had a few laughs but I'm glad we didn't go to the cinema and drop coin on this movie.
Husband and I came straight to the reviews to see if everyone agreed with us and they do.
Please cast Kidman opposite someone her own age next time. I just really wish the surgery wasn't a thing. Age gracefully please people. It's painful to see.
I had great expectations for this. Great cast, Nicole Kidman, Joey King, Zac Efron and the always amazing Kathy Bates.
While on paper the casting is great, but when you watch this weak romcom it's easy to see that Efron and Kidman have been miscast. Either one would probably have worked very well with another actor but together Efron and Kidman are quite frankly, awful, in this. They have zero chemistry and to me looks like they couldn't even fake it. Their faces seem to lack the ability to portray any natural emotive expressions whatsoever. They are 100% not believable as lovers which makes it really impossible to root for their relationship.
Bates is her usual lovely self, and King is excellent, providing the only comic relief here. They completely carry this film.
Avoid.
While on paper the casting is great, but when you watch this weak romcom it's easy to see that Efron and Kidman have been miscast. Either one would probably have worked very well with another actor but together Efron and Kidman are quite frankly, awful, in this. They have zero chemistry and to me looks like they couldn't even fake it. Their faces seem to lack the ability to portray any natural emotive expressions whatsoever. They are 100% not believable as lovers which makes it really impossible to root for their relationship.
Bates is her usual lovely self, and King is excellent, providing the only comic relief here. They completely carry this film.
Avoid.
Did you know
- TriviaIn the doctor's office when Zara (Joey King) asks her mother Brooke (Nicole Kidman), "What is he, like 20 years younger than you?" referring to Chris (Zac Efron), her mom responds, "Sixteen." Kidman is 20 years older than Efron.
- GoofsAround 25 minutes in, Chris arrives at Zara's house in a black Cadillac, pulling up right outside the front door; when Zara arrives home the car is no longer there.
- Quotes
Leila Ford: No great tryst ever started with someone being rational.
- SoundtracksI'm Your Man
Written by George Michael
Performed by Wham!
Courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited
By arrangement with Sony Music Entertainment
- How long is A Family Affair?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Un asunto familiar
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 51 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.00 : 1
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content
