— August 5, 2024

World politics aside, it was impossible not to enjoy this movie: 

The writing and screenplay, pacing, directing, producing, production design and art direction, acting, on-screen chemistry between the cast, cinematography, soundtrack curation and score… every detail was exquisite. 

My viewing experience was a cocktail of oxytocin, endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, cortisol, adrenaline, norepinephrine, and vasopressin… all mixed perfectly and working in concert to make me smile, laugh, cry, share the main characters’ happiness, distress, intimacy and enjoyment, and root for the love interests’ attraction. The balance and interplay of the cast and crew, as well as of the story’s events, emotional experiences and journey, is something I can’t even recall ever having had the pleasure of enjoying. 

I normally watch a lot of film.. And I have watched copious amounts more in my life — with pen and paper by my side. Creating this type of movie magic is only easy for anyone who has never done it, other than in their mind — in the universe that they are the center of.

I can’t remember the last time a film kept my attention from beginning to end — let alone made me feel this way (euphoric).

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A Family Affair, is a 2024 romantic comedy directed by Richard LaGravenese, starring Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, and Joey King.