Is 'A Family Affair' just a 'The Idea of You' rip-off? Reviews split over Nicole Kidman rom-com

Zac Efron and Nicole Kidman are paired in romantic roles in Netflix's latest release 'A Family Affair'
PUBLISHED JUN 30, 2024
Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, and Joey King starrer 'A Family Affair' is now streaming on Netflix (@netflix)
Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, and Joey King starrer 'A Family Affair' is now streaming on Netflix (@netflix)

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: 'High School Musical' fame Zac Efron has returned to charm us in a romantic and comedy role in Netflix's 'A Family Affair'.

Zac Efron is paired opposite Academy award winner Nicole Kidman in the age-gap rom-com.

Soon after its release on June 28, 2024, fans rushed to social media to share what they truly feel about the film.

Fans divided over 'A Family Affair' vs 'The Idea of You' debate

A still from the movie 'A Family Affair' (@netflix)
Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, and Joey King in 'A Family Affair' (@netflix)

Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron-starrer 'A Family Affair' on Netflix is being compared to Anne Hathaway's 'The Idea of You', which premiered on Prime Video earlier this year.

A young man falls for an older woman is the storyline of both rom-com films in a nutshell.

While 'The Idea of You' opened to positive reviews from critics in May 2024, Zac Efron starrer has been receiving mixed reactions from fans.

Drawing the comparisons, a fan wrote, "If "The Idea Of You" is Chanel then "A Family Affair" is Walmart. It has its moments but the chemistry between Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron falls flat. There isn't the spark like Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine. One good thing - The daughter is a better age in AFA."

Another fan bashed Zac Efron starrer as he wrote, "just watched a family affair….. the somehow managed to remake the idea of you and make it even worse"



 



 

However, some fans find the Netflix film better than Prime Video film. Calling ‘A Family Affair’ a "classic", they expressed that they found it better than 'The Idea of You'.

Another comment in favor of the Netflix film reads, "A family affair is the answer to if the idea of you was actually good. zac is lowkey meant for comedy."



 



 

'Awful' or 'Cute'? 'A Family Affair' receives mixed reactions from fans

A still from the movie 'A Family Affair' (@netflix)
Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron in 'A Family Affair' (@netflix)

Going by the fan reactions, it's evident that 'A Family Affair' isn't everyone's cup of tea. Someone labelled the film "insufferable" while another called it "awful."

Another X user rejected the film in a tweet that read, "A family affair movie makes me SICK. wtf u mean u my mama & dating my boss idk man lowkey wanna fight."



 



 



 

However, fans of simple rom-com dramas have come out in its defense. An X user wrote, "A Family Affair on Netflix is a cute little meta-Hollywood rom-com. No problems here. I laughed plenty. It's as if "When Harry Met Sally" meets Entourage."



 

"15 minutes into ‘a family affair’ and omg zac efron is MADEEEE for romcoms!!!" wrote another fan.



 

How to stream 'A Family Affair'?

Nicole Kidman, Kathy Bates, and Joey King in 'A Family Affair' (@netflix)
Nicole Kidman, Kathy Bates, and Joey King in a still'A Family Affair' (@netflix)

Directed by Richard LaGravenese, 'A Family Affair' also features Joey King, Liza Koshy, Kathy Bates and Sherry Cola.

The film had its digital release on June 28, 2024. With a run time of 111 minutes, 'A Family Affair' is available to stream only on Netflix.

'A Family Affair' trailer



 

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