Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Ballet drama lacks depth and emotion; grief, mild language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Red Shoes: Next Step
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE RED SHOES: NEXT STEP is the story of Samantha's (Juliet Doherty) journey to recover from grief over the loss of her sister in a terrible car accident just as Sam was poised to realize her dream of a solo performance at the prestigious ballet academy she and her sister attended. Months later, Sam and her friend Eve (Lauren Esposito) are caught shoplifting, and Sam's punishment is to go back to the ballet academy not to dance, but to scrub toilets and finish her academic studies. Circumstances lead Sam back into the dance studio, and even to a chance to perform as prima ballerina. But can Sam find a way to keep living, and keep loving ballet, after suffering such a huge loss?
Is It Any Good?
Unfortunately, the script, acting, and dancing aren't enough to hold all but the most avid ballet fan's attention. The Red Shoes: Next Step simply moves from one overworked cliché to the next, not providing nearly enough context or explanations and leaving plenty of plot holes behind. The actors don't really seem to connect to their characters and don't provide a way for the viewers to connect, either. Exhausting rehearsal sequences go on for too long and are too similar to add interest or build drama.
That being said, the final performance sequence provides refreshing new costumes and not-seen-before sequences to possibly interest ballet fans, but for the rest of us, it's too little, too late.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how ballet is shown in The Red Shoes: Next Step. Is it realistic and believable? What do we love about performing arts stories?
Why is perseverance important in the performing arts? How do the dancers model teamwork?
What are some of your favorite movies about dance or other performing arts? How does this one compare?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 7, 2023
- Cast : Juliet Doherty , Lauren Esposito , Carolyn Bock
- Directors : Jesse Ahern , Joanne Samuel
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : 4Digital Media
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Arts , Friendship
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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