A Family Affair is a captivating 2015 documentary that presents an intriguing and off-beat story of personal ties and a family’s underlying secrets. Directed by Tom Fassaert, the documentary is a raw, intimate, and emotionally compelling work of art that transcends the genre, providing audiences a profound exploration of family life and its intricacies. Set in the backdrop of Cape Town, South Africa, and Amsterdam in the Netherlands, A Family Affair sheds light on the complexities of family relationships, the impacts of the past on the present, and human frailty.

The film commences when Fassaert, a celebrated Dutch documentary filmmaker, receives an unexpected invitation from his 95-year-old grandmother, Marianne Hertz. Hertz, who was once a famous model and successful entrepreneur now living in South Africa, decides that it was time to reveal her life's story to her grandson. Herein lies the magic of the film as it captures the unanticipated turn of events that occur subsequently.

Marianne, an unabashed and assertive woman, lived a life of glamour, beauty and charm, yet she had estranged all her children, the mother being one of them. As Fassaert endeavors to dig deeper into their familial past, it becomes a challenging journey accentuated by invisible but seemingly insurmountable barriers of unexpressed emotions, unheard tales, and unresolved issues pervading the family for years.

The strength of A Family Affair lies in Fassaert's splendid execution of storytelling, where he skillfully crafts the narrative by assembling home movies, personal accounts, and contemporary footage. His meticulous excavation of his family's past brings the audience on a rollercoaster ride, blending elements of mystery, dread, affection and empathy into an intriguing mix.

The camera in the film serves as an investigative tool and a silent, unbiased bystander, capturing raw and intimate moments, and providing an in-depth portrayal of the characters. Fassaert’s narrative journey takes the audience through various emotions, as the revelations of Marianne's past are deeply affecting, compelling viewers to reflect and comprehend the implications and complexities of family ties. There are moments of unexpected humor, shock, deep sadness mixed with strange joy, making this documentary a unique cinematic experience.

Cinematically, the film is visually beautiful, employing a vivid color palette that enriches the on-screen dynamics. The lushness of South Africa and the rich textures of Amsterdam are juxtaposed splendidly, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the film. The haunting and riveting score complements the film's heart-wrenching narrative, underpinning the heavy emotional layers embedded within it.

Furthermore, the film vividly highlights the generational differences and how family stories were communicated and interpreted over the years. It brings to the fore issues of abandonment, betrayal, and suppressed emotions. These aspects were subtly yet intelligently unfolded by Fassaert through his introspective conversations with the family members and Marianne herself, challenging the viewer’s perspectives and empathy.

Overall, Fassaert’s A Family Affair is haunting and transfixing, providing a deeply moving and thought-provoking experience for the audience. It is a bold and brave personal account and a cinematic journey that compels one to confront the buried yet influential aspects of one’s family dynamics. For anyone appreciative of raw, human experiences and interested in the intricate relationships that shape our lives, A Family Affair is a must-watch. It is more than just a film; it is an immersive exploration into the complexities of family, past, and individual relationships that defines us as who we are.