Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Kids' book adaptation has complex themes, positive messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Little Darlings: The Movie
What's the Story?
In LITTLE DARLINGS: THE MOVIE, 11-year-old Destiny (Janae Vito) lives with her mother (Jamelia) and spends much of her time singing in her room. When she discovers that her father is famous pop star Danny Kilman (Lemar), she meets him and forms a close bond with his daughter Sunset (Diaana Babnicova). But not everyone in the families gets along so well. Can the two work together to make their fighting parents make up? After all, being sisters is their destiny.
Is It Any Good?
Adapted from the bestselling book by popular kids' author Jacqueline Wilson, this is a fun, uplifting movie that deals with some difficult themes, yet it's full of positive messages. Starring a cast of bright young actors, as well as British '90s pop stars Jamelia and Lemar, Little Darlings: The Movie has plenty that will appeal to kids, and a touch of nostalgia for parents to boot. The acting can feel a little wooden and melodramatic in places. But the warmth between the two young sisters and the sparky chemistry between the older leads keep the scenes on track.
Pulling from the inventive hand-drawn illustrations of the book, the film uses mini-animations to move between scenes, adding a quirky, colorful edge that ties it in with the characters' preteen diaries. Add to that an adorable singer-songwriter sibling duo and a big family performance at the end, and this is a bright and lively adaptation that could well become a favorite for young Wilson fans.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Little Darlings: The Movie says about fame. Can you think of positives and negatives about being famous?
How do Destiny and Sunset show great teamwork? Can you think of a time when you've demonstrated good teamwork?
How does the movie explore the theme of family, and what are the different ways that family is portrayed?
The movie has a diverse array of characters. Why is representation in the media important?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 14, 2022
- Cast : Janae Vito , Jamelia , Diaana Babnicova
- Director : Ian Aryeh
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sky Cinema
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate