Babystar review – a new arrival upends camera-ready life in disturbing family influencer satire
Joscha Bongard's debut film "Babystar" is a satirical exploration of the family influencer industry, examining the ethical issues that arise when parents monetise their children's lives for social media. The film raises virtually every concern surrounding parents vlogging their children's childhoods, presenting a disturbing portrait of family dysfunction, though it struggles to maintain this unsettling atmosphere throughout the narrative.
Sixteen-year-old Luca is the only child of social media stars Stella and Chris, who share their seemingly perfect family life with 4 million followers, documenting everything from Luca's birth to intimate conversations. When the couple announce plans for a second child, Luca recognises this not as a personal decision but as a potential branding opportunity, prompting her to rebel and move out. Maja Bons delivers a subtly nuanced performance, though the film's tension diminishes after Luca's departure, becoming somewhat contrived by its conclusion. The film is in UK and Irish cinemas from 25 September.
- Satire exposes parents who monetise their children's lives for social media
- Teen protagonist rebels against plans for sibling as branding opportunity
- Debut film examines ethical issues of children in influencer culture