If you spent any part of the mid-2000s with a Tiger Beat poster taped to your wall, the idea of working with Zac Efron probably feels like a fever dream. For Joey King, it was literally her childhood reality coming full circle. During the press tour for their Netflix rom-com A Family Affair, King admitted she was a massive fan-girl back in the day. We’re talking the whole nine yards: posters, merchandise, and a deep-seated obsession with High School Musical.
Honestly, that makes their on-screen friction even funnier. In the film, which hit Netflix on June 28, 2024, King plays Zara Ford, the overworked and wildly underappreciated assistant to Efron’s Chris Cole. Chris is a self-absorbed Hollywood megastar who is basically a nightmare to work for. He's the kind of boss who changes his gate code while you're mid-sentence or expects you to handle his messy breakups with a bag of "parting gift" diamond earrings.
The Weird, Wonderful Chemistry of Zac Efron and Joey King
Most people expected a standard romantic comedy, but the movie throws a massive curveball. The romance isn't between Efron and King. Instead, Zara walks in on her mother, Brooke (played by the legendary Nicole Kidman), in a very "intimate" moment with her boss. It’s the ultimate nightmare scenario.
Why the "Assistant-Boss" Dynamic Felt So Real
While the plot is peak Hollywood fantasy, the rapport between Efron and King feels grounded. You've probably had a job where you felt like you were the only adult in the room. That’s Zara. King plays her with a mix of Gen Z burnout and genuine ambition. Meanwhile, Efron leans into the "lovable idiot" trope he's perfected lately.
They did a lot of improv on set. Seriously. In interviews with Collider, they mentioned that many of their bickering matches were unscripted. They just vibed.
- The Power Balance: Zara is the one actually running Chris’s life.
- The Emotional Core: Despite the yelling, they have a sibling-like bond.
- The "Nerd Out" Factor: King eventually told Efron about her childhood obsession, and he was apparently super gracious about it. He even hummed along when she’d sing "Scream" from High School Musical 3 between takes.
What Critics (and the Internet) Actually Thought
The movie wasn't a total home run with critics. It sits with mixed reviews, often criticized for a lack of "spark" between Efron and Kidman. But weirdly enough, the relationship everyone kept talking about was the one between Efron and King.
Social media—specifically Reddit—had a field day with King's character. Some viewers found Zara "annoying" or "immature," but others defended her, pointing out that your boss dating your mom is a valid reason to have a meltdown.
A Surprise Fitness Connection
Behind the scenes, the two bonded over more than just scripts. Efron, fresh off his physically grueling role in The Iron Claw, became something of a wellness mentor to King. He gave her protein intake tips and wellness advice.
King told MovieWeb that he even helped her with her diet while they were filming in Atlanta. It’s a far cry from their characters' relationship where Chris can barely remember Zara's basic needs.
Looking Beyond the Rom-Com Tropes
If you look past the "mom is dating the movie star" hook, the film tries to say something about age and career. Zara wants to be a producer, not just a glorified errand runner. Chris wants to be taken seriously as an actor.
What People Get Wrong About the Film
Many expected a remake of The Idea of You (the Anne Hathaway/Nicholas Galitzine movie). While they both feature an age-gap romance with a celebrity, A Family Affair is much more focused on the family fallout.
- It’s a Three-Way Story: It’s as much about the mother-daughter bond as the romance.
- The Grandma Factor: Kathy Bates steals every scene she’s in as the grandmother, Leila Ford.
- The Ending: It doesn't just tie everything up with a wedding. It focuses on Zara’s professional growth.
Navigating the Career Shift
Zac Efron is in a weirdly great place in his career. He’s transitioned from the teen idol King grew up with to a guy who can play a shredded wrestler one day and a goofy rom-com lead the next. Joey King is doing the same, moving from The Kissing Booth to more complex roles like The Act and We Were the Lucky Ones.
Working together seems to have been a "mutual admiration society" situation. Efron praised King's comedy timing, especially the scene where she chokes on a grape and knocks herself out on a door. (Pro tip: that door was actually much heavier than it looked, making the physical comedy even more impressive).
Tips for Watching (or Re-watching)
If you're going to dive into this one, don't go in expecting The Notebook.
- Watch for the improv: You can tell when they’re genuinely trying to make each other crack up.
- Check the soundtrack: It’s surprisingly catchy.
- Ignore the "plastic surgery" discourse: A lot of people got distracted by the actors' appearances. Focus on the performances; Efron's comedic timing is actually at its peak here.
The movie shows that even in a "self-absorbed" industry, real friendships can form. King went from having his face on her lunchbox to being his peer. That's a pretty cool Hollywood ending in itself.
To get the most out of A Family Affair, pay attention to the subtext of Zara’s career trajectory; it’s a fairly accurate, if heightened, look at the "assistant-to-producer" pipeline in modern Hollywood. If you’re looking for more behind-the-scenes stories, checking out the cast's ELLE "Ask Me Anything" segment reveals the specific "tea" King had to explain to a very confused Efron.
