Netflix movies are… Well, Netflixy.
Netflix original movies often encounter the wrath of critics at Rotten Tomatoes. In 2024, Netflix released several films but most Netflix original feature films including Jennifer Lopez’s Atlas and Jessica Alba’s most recent Trigger Warning were critical bombs. Sure, a few movies do get the due attention as Glen Powell and Adria Arjona’s Hit Man was a sensational hit. Still, movies with bad reviews do not always harm the streaming giant but rather get them astounding views. Even Madam Web did wonder at Netflix after the box office and critical failure. Zac Efron And Nicole Kidman’s new rom-com A Family Affair has made its Netflix debut but critics are not very pleased with the movie.
Zac Efron And Nicole Kidman’s A Family Affair Failed To Certified Fresh At Rotten Tomatoes
Zac Efron who came fresh out of Sean Durkin’s acclaimed A24 sports drama The Iron Claw joined Nicole Kidman, who needs no introduction as the actor has created a stunning legacy in Hollywood in her career spanning over four decades. The raunchy romantic comedy, A Family Affair starring the duo has been in the buzz but as the movie hit the streamer, critics and fans were far from being impressed with the movie. As of writing the piece, A Family Affair is standing at 47% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Here’s what critics said about the movie—
“Despite the A-list leads, a poor script and lack of originality will keep A Family Affair from being a hit.” — Maxwell Rabb, Chicago Reader.
“When Chris has to magically stop being a hilarious airhead and start being Mr Perfect, things become pretty insufferable.” — Peter Bradshaw, Guardian.
“It certainly has none of the breezy, relaxed maturity of The Idea of You. And none of its chemistry, either.” Clarisse Loughrey, Independent (UK).
“Sadly, the film plays more like an artless quickie than a fully fleshed-out romance.” — Tomris Laffly, Variety.
“While ‘A Family Affair’ doesn’t hold too many surprises, it can be unexpectedly amusing, enjoyable, and even, at times, mildly sweet and touching.” — Rodrigo Perez, The Playlist.
What Audiences Think Of A Family Affair?
Kidman who has an astounding legacy in Hollywood played Brooke Harwood in the movie. Falling into unavoidable circumstances, she fell in love with much younger Chris Cole played by Zac Efron who is a Hollywood star and her daughter’s former personal assistant.
Fans have mixed reactions to the movie as the movie has a combined 36% audience score on the platform. Here’s how the audience reacted to the movie—
“Honestly hard to watch. The premise of a mom falling for her daughter’s verbally abusive boss is a tough pill to swallow. Then having to watch everyone treat the daughter like she had no reason to be hurt no matter how many times she’s lied to just felt gross. Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron are very charming people, but their characters lack of chemistry was the final nail in this movie’s coffin for me.” — Emmy M.
“The characters just… don’t make sense. Zach’s personality oscillates from pitiful to good to pitiful. Kidman doesn’t listen to ounce of her daughter’s experience. Zooey’s… probably the only one that is consistent & makes an ounce of sense. Painful to watch.” — Alanna K.
“Couldn’t even finish the film. I tried my hardest. Pointless. Depressing. Hollowing. Ugly. I couldn’t see a start, middle or end. Triggering from the very second. Why is she such a “pick me!” Only despair when ever a character spoke. A solid 30 minutes of my life I will never get back. Not even going to comment on the facial aesthetics of Zak and Nicole. Wouldn’t recommend.” — Ruby B.
Despite mostly the bad reviews, the movie that also stars Joey King, Liza Koshy, and Kathy Bates earns praise from a few fans as well.
a family affair is out on netflix today and i highly recommend that you watch it because it’s absolutely fucking hilarious
i honestly think it deserved a theatrical release bc it’s just that good but i’m vvv grateful i got to attend the premiere and watch it in a theater… pic.twitter.com/mGooo4hSVr
— lines, vines & dying inside 🥲 (@caliiinoel) June 28, 2024
I genuinely enjoyed A Family Affair. I didn’t love the transition btwn scenes. It felt abrupt at times but it’s such a warm, feel good movie. Kathy Bates was an A+ choice for this. Zac was hilarious, Nicole was super charming but I felt Joey’s character was too bratty and selfish pic.twitter.com/LsAUizjoM4
— YVR Millennial (@YVRmillennial) June 28, 2024
A romantic comedy/coming of age story, A Family Affair is a perfect throwback to the films of the 2000s mixed with an entertaining premise that feels like a fanfiction with a sharp script and a very movie star quality of three people just trying to find themselves. pic.twitter.com/P6KHMndbw8
— Jillian (@JillianChili) June 24, 2024
Regardless, A Family Affair has turned out to be another critical mess from Netflix but the movie has all the potential to reach stunning viewership.
Stream A Family Affair on Netflix.
