Common Sense Media Review
Friendships triumph over conflict in updated adaptation.
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Malory Towers
What's the Story?
Following the end of World War II, Malory Towers is set at a women's boarding school in the English countryside. Darrell Rivers (Ella Bright) is an incoming student who enrolls at Malory Towers after abruptly leaving her last boarding school. She enrolls alongside two other new girls Gwen (Danya Griver) and Sally (Sienna Arif Knights). They all deal with the challenges of moving away from home and navigating their new school. Memories are made and friendships are built with the help of everything from ghost stories, lacrosse games, and beach adventures. While many characters have trouble adapting due to homesickness or exclusion, second chances allow students to find their own home away from home.
Is It Any Good?
This updated adaptation of a classic book series is a worthwhile reintroduction of Blyton's beloved characters to a younger generation. While still set post World War II, Malory Towers improves upon the source material with a more representative and diverse cast. Some of the characters, like Gwen, fall flat as their writing relies on classic cliches like the "spoiled brat" and "mean girl." However, Darrell is a wonderful character who viewers can invest their time in with the satisfaction of watching her personal growth. Even if she's imperfect, Darrell is constantly learning and reflecting on her mistakes. Through adventures on the Cornish seaside and impromptu midnight feasts, the relationships built at Malory Towers include strong and worthwhile depictions of female friendship.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Which other book characters do you enjoy seeing on the screen? Are you ever disappointed in how writers and producers interpret literary characters and their stories? Which ones, in your opinion, deserve a jump to TV or movies?
Families can talk about how change encourages personal growth, the way it does for Darrell in Malory Towers. Kids: Is the idea of change exciting to you, or does it make you nervous? Can you recall a time when a change in your life had a positive effect on you?
Are all these girls good role models? What qualities do your tweens admire in them? Why is it important to identify role models and be inspired by them?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 6, 2020
- Cast : Ella Bright , Sienna Arif Knights , Danya Griver
- Network : BYUtv
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship , History
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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