In Child Star, Demi Lovato lays their experiences of child stardom to bear, with no punches pulled. Not to be mistaken for the other behind-the-scenes documentary on the troubled industry of child acting that released earlier this year, Quiet on Set, Child Star delves into the trials and tribulations of young actors, from the silent era’s Jackie Coogan to ’90s legends like Drew Barrymore and Kenan Thompson, to our most modern example of Jojo Siwa.  

Opening with selected interviews from various adolescents, the documentary crew asks the youths about their perceptions of fame and if they would like to be famous. With answers ranging from maybe to resounding yeses, the interviewees establish the associations many people have with child stars: not only are they rich and beloved, but they also have zero problems and live the life of anyone’s dream. Over the next 97 minutes, these preconceptions are shown to be inaccurate, if not outright myth. 

Child Star puts on full display the scaffolding of suffering. It is not common for children with little support or love to be given more money than any child should have to spend. So, it makes sense that their choices would then gravitate towards substance abuse and participating in actions not suited for minors (often with aims of coping and feeling some semblance of ‘joy’).

Lovato gives numerous examples of this process. From the director themself candidly discussing their history of substance abuse and poor emotional management on set because of their lack of guidance and support from a trusted role model. To Drew Barrymore, raised to act because of her family’s reputation in the industry and was subsequently introduced to alcohol and drugs in her teens.

This documentary is blunt: not only are issues of substance abuse and mental health discussed openly, but the topic of eating disorders is also frequently referenced by Lovato and other interviewees. These recurring consequences show a pattern: if children’s television producers endlessly strive for the ‘perfect’ actor or actress, that need for perfection will affect the child. This issue is further described when Jojo Siwa shares her experience of coming out and subsequently being asked to explain herself to retail stores and brands nationwide by her managers and producers for fear of being released from contracts. 

With bits of television history sprinkled throughout these emotional interviews, Child Star seeks to offer a comprehensive look at what high-level acting is like for children and the consequences they suffer for decades to come.