Disney princesses get an upgrade in the Disney+ original movie Secret Society of Second-Born Royals, which premiered on Disney+ on Sept. 25. The fearless princesses and princes in this live-action film actually join a top-secret training program reserved for second-born royals, with one goal: to save the world! (No sleeping for practically an entire movie or getting married at 16 years old here.) The movie stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee (Andi Mack) as Princess Samantha of Illyria, Niles Fitch (Miss Virginia) as Tuma, Isabella Blake-Thomas (Doctor Who) as January, Olivia Deeble (Home and Away) as Princess Roxana, Faly Rakotohavana (Nightmare Cinema) as Matteo, Skylar Astin (Pitch Perfect) as Professor James Morrow, Elodie Yung (Daredevil) as Queen Catherine, and more.
As Sam grows bored of the princess life that she doesn't fit in with, her mom sends her to "summer school." There, she discovers she — and the four other students in the room — all have superpowers unique to them. She is invited to join the coolest secret club of all time made up of other second-born royals and led by James. However, in order to be part of it, nobody can know they exist (even their families). Shockingly, Sam's mom, Queen Catherine, is the head of the Secret Society of Second-Born Royals. All summer, the students will train for a chance to be part of the club; if they fail, their memories will be erased, and they'll forget. Everything is a test — but the students don't know that there is a real criminal on the loose who escaped from prison with the help from an unknown person. Keep reading for a few things for parents to note before watching Secret Society of Second-Born Royals with their kids.
Secret Society of Second-Born Royals has all the heartfelt Disney charm of the many others Disney original movies before it. It's filled with hope, shattered expectations, reconciliation of family members, betrayal of friendships, evil villains, beautiful dresses, budding romances — all done in a new yet familiar way. It's super cute, though younger viewers might get bored with its many slow moments, and older children may have trouble keeping up with its twists and somewhat detailed plot points. Be prepared to pause and explain a few key things throughout (what it means to betray a friend, how to talk to someone feeling left out, genocide, murder) as well as to mention the importance of diversity and showing powerful female characters (who are more worried about saving the world than falling in love!). It's a perfect option for your next family movie night.