Netflix is set to release its latest romantic comedy, “A Family Affair,” starring Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, and Joey King, on Friday, June 28. The film, which reunites Kidman and Efron on screen after their 2012 collaboration in “The Paperboy,” promises to deliver a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre with its intergenerational storyline and star-studded cast.
Directed by Richard LaGravenese and written by Carrie Solomon, “A Family Affair” tells the story of Zara (Joey King), a young woman working as a personal assistant to famous actor Chris Cole (Zac Efron). The plot takes an unexpected turn when Chris falls for Zara’s mother, Brooke (Nicole Kidman), a widowed memoirist struggling with writer’s block.
For Kidman, the role represents a welcome shift from her recent dramatic performances. “I was begging to have some fun and to be considered for some sort of romantic comedy at some point,” Kidman shared in a recent interview. The Oscar-winning actress expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to showcase her comedic talents and explore the dynamics of an older woman-younger man relationship on screen.
Efron, who was drawn to the complexity of his character, noted the natural chemistry he shares with Kidman. “We’re very easy with each other,” he said, emphasizing the playful atmosphere on set that allowed for improvisation and experimentation with comedic scenes.
Joey King, known for her role in “The Kissing Booth” trilogy, brings her comedic timing to the role of Zara. King highlighted the film’s exploration of the moment when a child realizes their parent is a person with their own desires and needs, describing it as “one of the most truthful and realistic parts” of the story.
The film also features Kathy Bates as Brooke’s mother and Zara’s grandmother, adding another layer to the intergenerational narrative. Liza Koshy and Sherry Cola round out the cast as friends of Zara.
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“A Family Affair” tackles the often-taboo subject of relationships between older women and younger men, a topic that Kidman believes is important to address in cinema. “We’ve had an abundance of older men and younger women, but we haven’t had the abundance of older women with younger men. And why not?” she questioned, emphasizing the changing landscape of storytelling in Hollywood.
The film will be available for streaming on Netflix starting at midnight PDT on June 28, with release times varying by time zone. For East Coast viewers in the United States, the film will be accessible from 3 a.m. EDT.
As romantic comedies continue to evolve, “A Family Affair” aims to blend humor, heart, and a touch of social commentary, potentially offering viewers both laughter and emotional resonance. With its talented cast and timely themes, the film is poised to become a significant addition to Netflix’s growing catalog of original romantic comedies.
