As straightforward as its title implies, "A Family Affair" is a subdued romantic comedy that plays out in a prescriptive manner, reminiscent of other recent rom-coms like last month's "The Idea of You". The film casts Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron from "Paperboy" as Brooke Harwood, a celebrated author, and Chris Cole, a movie star best known for his role in a superhero franchise. Their connection originates through Brooke’s 24-year-old daughter Zara, portrayed by Joey King, who is Chris’s overworked personal assistant.
Zara, still residing with Brooke, a widow of 11 years, has a tight-knit relationship with her grandmother, Leila (Kathy Bates). Following a period of continued disappointment in Chris’s vain and needy nature, Zara decides to leave her position just as Chris is preparing for his next sequel in the well-liked "Icarus" series.
Chris decides to coax Zara back to work, leading to an unexpected encounter with Brooke that quickly escalates into a passionate affair. Their relationship, which is discovered by a shocked Zara, results in a somewhat farcical scene that underwhelms audiences.
Despite her initial horror, Zara returns to her position at Chris's request; he gives her an associate producer title for his upcoming movie and swears not to see her mother again. The movie unfolds as he keeps to one promise but breaks the other, most predictably stirring up further drama.
While the film is fairly predictable, it has its moments of amusing industry insight and on-point humor, courtesy of scriptwriter Carrie Soloman. It also features a running commentary on the film industry, including references to celebrities' regimens, the allure of wealth, and the challenges of international filmmaking.
However, the film's attempt to freshen up the trope of a lonely, narcissistic show business hotty falls flat. After establishing Chris as vain and somewhat dim-witted, audiences are asked to believe that he and the acclaimed novel writer Brooke could bond over intellectual conversations, casual sex, and eventually, a lasting romance.
Despite the performances, the romance never quite reaches the credibility level of a typical rom-com. The film concludes on an underwhelming note, with a contrived confession aimed at making the Brooke/Chris romance more believable. The final sequences feel out of place, with an unwelcome plot twist, a needed reality check, and an abrupt diversion towards a wholesome white Christmas scene.
