Demi Lovato returns to the film documentary space, this time as a producer of the Disney’s Child Star documentary. The documentary echoes Demi Lovato’s early years in Camp Rock, which catapulted her into the mainstream film and music industry. The connection between Mitchie Torres, Lovato’s character in Camp Rock, and the real-life pop who has recovered from substance abuse, serves as a mirror reflecting the artist mental struggles and path to recovery. 

“The 1h 38m film features interviews with Hollywood and Disney actors who, like Lovato, faced the unique challenges of being a child star. These actors share a common understanding of the emotional toll and lasting consequences of early fame. Their experiences are contrasted against the backdrop of The Coogan Law, which was designed to protect child actors.

Lovato’s addiction recovery became specially prominent during the COVID pandemic. In April 2021, she released her seventh studio album Dancing With The Devil, The Art of Starting Over, a raw, personal confession that delves into the roots of her addictions. Accompanied by a six-part YouTube documentary, Demi Lovato: Dancing With The Devil, the project offered an intimate narrative from her friends and family’s perspective.

In her directorial debut, Lovato partners with Nicola Marsh to explore the often unseen consequences of being a child star. Lovato deftly investigates the emotional aftermath of child actors who become the main financial providers—referred to as ‘breadwinners’—of their families. This central theme connects the eight former child stars she interviews, including Drew Barrymore, Christina Ricci, Jojo Siwa, Kenan Thompson, Alyson Stoner, and Raven-Symoné. Raven-Symoné, however, declined the term ‘breadwinner’ but challenged Lovato to read between the lines of her words.

The film also weaves in footage of Miley Cyrus’ Disney stardom, placing the actors’ narratives in the historical context of The Coogan Law. This legislation, created in 1939 in response to Jackie Coogan’s financial exploitation as a child actor, mandates that a portion of a child actor’s earnings be set aside until they reach adulthood. While the documentary doesn’t campaign for new rights, it brings attention to the rise of unregulated child stars on digital platforms like YouTube.

Child Star is now available on Disney+ for streaming, running 1h 38m. The theme song, ‘You’ll Be OK, Kid’, by Demi Lovato, is available on all music streaming platforms. Watch the lyric video on YouTube.

Mental Health Support in the UK:

If you are ever in need of mental health support, visit the Rethink Mental Illness website. The Get Help Now option guides you to tools and resources to support your mental health. The NHS offers a mental health support line via 111, where you can discuss your concerns or those of loved ones.