What happens when being a social media star isn’t a choice, but a family obligation? Babystar, the darkly comic new film exploring influencer culture, family dynamics and the pressures of online fame, is heading to UK and Irish cinemas this September.
The film arrives at a particularly relevant moment, as growing concerns around children’s use of social media continue to dominate conversations about technology, parenting and online safety.
Described by Variety as “an influencer-era version of The Truman Show”, Babystar offers a chilling look at what happens when a child’s identity becomes a family’s business.
A Family Business Built on Social Media Fame
At the centre of Babystar is Luca, a teenage girl who appears to have everything.
She lives in a huge house with her loving parents and has millions of followers on social media. From the outside, hers looks like the dream influencer lifestyle.
But Luca never chose it.
Being an influencer is the family business, and her parents make it clear that, while she is deeply loved, she has a responsibility to play her part — particularly when it comes to keeping the family’s sponsors happy.
Everything changes when Luca’s parents decide to expand the family.
Suddenly, Luca faces the possibility that she may no longer be the centre of attention. Her biggest fear is that she will no longer be the family’s one and only “babystar” — and that she could be replaced as easily as her latest Instagram story disappears.
Babystar Takes a Dark Look at Influencer Culture
Rather than presenting social media fame as glamorous, Babystar explores the darker side of turning a child’s life into online content.
The film has already attracted comparisons to filmmakers including Yorgos Lanthimos and Ruben Östlund, following its premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.
It has also received strong reviews from critics, with Screen Daily describing it as “a chilly dissection of family in the influencer age.”
The film’s premise feels particularly timely as governments, parents and technology companies continue to debate the impact of social media on children and teenagers.
A Timely Release for the Social Media Debate
Babystar arrives in UK and Irish cinemas as scrutiny surrounding young people’s use of social media continues to intensify.
In June 2026, the UK government announced plans for legislation that would prevent under-16s from accessing social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat, with the proposed measures expected to come into force next year.
Against that backdrop, Babystar offers a fictional — but uncomfortably plausible — exploration of what happens when a child’s online presence becomes inseparable from their family’s livelihood.
Who Stars in Babystar?
The film features an ensemble cast including Maja Bons, known for Everybody is Fcking Crazy*, alongside Bea Brocks, Liliom Lewald, Joy Ewulu, Maximilian Mundt of How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) and Verena Altenberger of Tatort.
With its combination of dark satire, family drama and commentary on influencer culture, Babystar could prove to be one of the more thought-provoking films arriving in cinemas this autumn.
When Is Babystar Released in the UK?
Babystar will be released in UK and Irish cinemas from 25 September 2026.
The film’s exploration of social media fame, parental pressure and the commodification of childhood makes it a particularly relevant watch at a time when the relationship between young people and social media is being questioned more than ever.
The trailer offers a first glimpse at Luca’s extraordinary — and increasingly unsettling — life as a teenage social media star.
