Nicole KidmanandZac Efronhave teamed up for Netflix’s new romantic comedy, A Family Affair, some 12 years after their last collaboration on the crime drama,The Paperboy. While both movies have a common link despite their very different premises – with their pair being embroiled in a relationship of a kind with each other – perhaps one similarity that neither star wanted was to see their latest offering earn the same heavy criticism as their 2012 movie.
A Family Affairtells the story of Zara, a young woman played Joey King who discovers her mother, played by Kidman, is romantically involved with her ex-boyfriend, movie star Chris, played by Efron. This revelation sets off a chain of events that lead to the usual expected combination of humor and emotion that is at the heart of such rom-coms. This is a stark contrast to the storyline ofThe Paperboy, which was a much darker take on love and obsession. However, it seems that this lighter collaboration has not managed to wow audiences.
A Family Affair
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.
The Paperboywas a failure both in its box office and critical reception, landing itself a 45% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and an even lower 33% from audiences.A Family Affairhas so far drawn out a slightly more positive response, with the critics’ aggregate currently sitting at 47%. Although the audience score initially mirrored that ofThe Paperboy, it has recently risen a little to 38%.
So far,A Family Affairhas only gained around 100 reviews from audiences, but having only been released on Friday, that number is now constantly moving upwards as people hunt out something to watch.
What is Next for Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron?
Nicole Kidman recently hit the headlines when it was announced thatshe will be reuniting with Sandra Bullockfor a belated and unexpected sequel to their ‘90s moviePractical Magic. News of the sequel broke at the beginning of June, with Kidman sharing her excitement about returning to the fantasy comedy with Bullock. She told People:
Yes I will be in it. And Sandy will be in it. And that’s that. There’s a lot more to tell which is why we go, ‘OK, this is kind of interesting now to be able to do this.’
Keeping with the theme of contrasting roles, Kidman is also expected to appear ina third season of the HBO dramaBig Little Lies, and co-star with Antonio Banderas in the A24 erotic thrillerBabygirl. She will soon lend her voice to Queen Ellsmere in the upcoming Apple TV+ animated movieSpellbound, and is also slated to take the lead in the new crime dramaKay Scarpetta, based on the novels of Patricia Cornwall.
Nicole Kidman’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes
Let’s take a look at Nicole Kidman’s top-rated films on Rotten Tomatoes and look at her finest performances.
Meanwhile, Zac Efron continues to expand his range of projects with hiscritically acclaimed role in last year’sThe Iron Claw, in which he played one of the professional wrestling Von Erich brothers, and this year’s Peter Farrelly-directed comedyRicky Stanicky, which he shared top billing with John Cena. Efron is also expected to be one of the leads in the upcoming remake of ‘80s comedy,Three Men and a Baby.
A Family Affairis available to stream on Netflix now.
