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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.
In short
- 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
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Family vlogging can let parents share meaningful moments, build community and earn income from creative work, while giving families control over how they present their lives. Supporters might argue that parents routinely make choices about children’s public presence and that responsible, limited sharing can be compatible with care and family autonomy.
The case against
Children cannot meaningfully consent to having intimate details of their childhood broadcast to large audiences, and the lasting digital footprint may expose them to exploitation or embarrassment before they can judge the consequences. Critics argue that when a child’s image and private life generate income, parents’ financial incentives can conflict with the child’s privacy, dignity and welfare.
Explained simply
Family influencers make money and attract followers by sharing scenes from family life online. When parents include their children in that content, questions arise about the child’s privacy, consent and ability to choose how much of their life is made public.
Babystar centres on teenager Luca and her parents, Stella and Chris, who have built a large online audience by documenting their family. Luca’s perspective highlights a tension between a child’s wishes and parents’ control over the images and stories they share. The film uses satire to explore how a child’s arrival can become part of a family’s public image.
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