Sometimes, life hands you situations so strange, you’re not sure whether to laugh, cry, or run away. A Family Affair is exactly that kind of story. Imagine discovering your widowed mother is dating your movie-star boss—the very same one who’s been driving you nuts for years. That’s the setup, and somehow, it works.
Zara (Joey King) is trying to survive her chaotic job as the assistant to Chris Cole (Zac Efron), a big-deal Hollywood actor who’s got the looks and the ego to match. She’s barely keeping it together—until she finds out Chris has fallen for her mother, Brooke (Nicole Kidman). Cue the emotional tornado.
At first glance, it feels like the kind of plot meant just for shock value. But surprisingly, the film doesn’t play it for cheap laughs. There’s actual depth here. Nicole Kidman brings grace and quiet strength to the role of a woman rediscovering desire after loss. She’s not desperate or clueless—she’s just open to love, no matter how unconventional.
Zac Efron, on the other hand, gets to show more than just a pretty face. His character has a soft side that creeps in beneath all the arrogance. And Joey King nails the role of the frustrated daughter, caught between protecting her mom and dealing with a guy she used to loathe.
The writing doesn’t shy away from awkward moments, but it also doesn’t make fun of them. There’s a sincerity here—one that reminds you how unpredictable relationships can be, especially when the lines blur between personal and professional.
A Family Affair doesn’t aim to be groundbreaking. It’s funny, sweet, and just a little messy—like real life. And maybe that’s what makes it hit a little closer to home than expected.
