Demi Lovato’s new documentary, Child Star, delves into the harsh realities of fame for child performers. The film opens with anonymous children sharing their thoughts on growing up and being famous, highlighting the innocence and vulnerability of young minds in the entertainment industry. The documentary explores the personal histories of former child stars like Lovato, Kenan Thompson, Drew Barrymore, Christina Ricci, and Jojo Siwa, shedding light on the challenges they faced behind the scenes.
Child stardom is a lucrative business that can have a significant impact on both the performers and their young audience. The film touches on the dark side of fame, including eating disorders, financial exploitation, and mental health struggles. It also provides a brief history of child stardom in the US, from silent film actors to modern-day influencers on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
The documentary serves as a collective therapy session for former child stars, offering insights into the pressures and traumas they experienced while growing up in the public eye. It explores the psychological toll of being treated as a commodity and the coping mechanisms that many performers turned to in order to regain a sense of control in their lives.
In addition to examining the experiences of traditional child stars, Child Star also addresses the rise of non-traditional content creators on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. The film raises important questions about the impact of fame on young minds in the digital age and the need for greater protections for child performers in all areas of the entertainment industry.
Overall, Child Star is a thought-provoking and eye-opening look at the challenges faced by child stars past and present. It is a call to action for greater awareness and support for those who enter the spotlight at a young age, as well as a reminder of the complex and often damaging nature of fame in today’s society.
Child Star is now available on Hulu in the US and Disney+ in other regions, offering viewers a chance to learn more about the realities of growing up in the spotlight.