Netflix surprises with "A Family Affair": Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron star in a fresh and thoughtful romantic comedy.

The new Netflix film, "A Family Affair," has caused a stir among romantic comedy fans by bringing together stars Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron in a love story that is unambitious but with a touch of freshness. Twelve years after sharing the screen in "The Paperboy," the pair stars in this new proposal directed by Richard LaGravenese. In "A Family Affair," Nicole Kidman plays Brooke Howard, a successful writer and journalist who falls in love with the famous actor Chris Cole, portrayed by Zac Efron. The age difference between the characters is not only a highlighted element, but also explores the complexities of their pasts, presents, and futures, adding interesting layers to the plot. The presence of other key characters, such as Brooke's daughter, Zara Ford (played by Joey King), and Brooke's mother-in-law, Leila Ford (played by Kathy Bates), adds depth to the story and contributes to generating conflicts and reflections on love, family, and the expectations of each protagonist. The screenplay by Carrie Solomon attempts to profile the main characters in detail, presenting Chris as an immature diva punished by his childishness, Brooke as a mature woman who has prioritized everything except her heart, and Zara as a young woman seeking her own identity but trapped by her own internal conflicts. Through dialogue and everyday situations, the film attempts to address deep themes such as happiness, emotional maturity, and the value of family relationships. Lines like "I write to figure out what I think about things I don't understand" or "no good story ever started with someone being rational" try to add a layer of reflection to the typical romantic comedy. Despite efforts to give the story some substance, "A Family Affair" fails to escape certain clichés of the genre, such as caresses and bare torsos that seem to be a recurring resource in films starring Zac Efron. The age difference between the main characters, initially posed as a possible conflict, quickly fades away, moving away from similar proposals that have addressed this issue more deeply. Compared to other recent films in the genre, such as "The Idea of You," where the generation gap is the center of the plot, "A Family Affair" stands out for involving third parties who contribute to the story and prevent the romance from falling into shallowness. The presence of supporting characters like Leila Ford, played by Kathy Bates, adds a dose of logic and realism to the plot. In conclusion, "A Family Affair" is an entertaining and light-hearted proposal that, while not innovating in the romantic comedy genre, manages to offer moments of fun and reflection thanks to the chemistry between Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron, as well as the presence of supporting characters that add depth to the story. Despite its limitations, the film manages to maintain the viewer's interest and offers a fresh look at the complexities of love and family today.