Common Sense Media Review
By Fernanda Camargo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Modern adaptation has big questions, family growth.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Primrose Railway Children
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE PRIMROSE RAILWAY CHILDREN follows the Robinson family after they relocate to a secluded town by a heritage railway after the father's mysterious disappearance. Without internet and access to the outside world, Phoebe (Ava McCarthy) and her siblings Perry (Tyler Bailey) and Becks (Ida Brooke) must reconnect with each other and themselves to figure out the truth. While Mom is secretive, Phoebe has a million ideas, but the big question is this: Does a big imagination help you see better, or does it lead to seeing things that aren't real?
Is It Any Good?
It's not appointment television, but it works for casual family viewing. The Primrose Railway Children is not a faithful remake of the classic Railway Children, nor does it set out to be. It's a modern adaptation that strips away some historical context and focuses more on family dynamics. Phoebe's feeling of being misunderstood by her family allow the film to show that people can be different in the same household. It's also a gateway to explore the individual struggles of others that kids might overlook in the day-to-day—including that of parents. While it's not a must-watch, it can be a good choice to teach kids empathy toward others who are going through difficult situations.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the main message of The Primrose Railway Children. What did you learn from watching the movie?
Phoebe has a big imagination—so large that sometimes she questions her reality: If no one else notices, does that mean she is imagining things?
Why do you think the parents wanted to keep things secret from their kids? Do you think it was a good idea? How could they have handled the situation differently?
Perry blows soap bubbles when he needs to stay calm. Can you think of something that helps you keep calm?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 8, 2024
- Cast : Ava McCarthy , Ida Brooke , Tylan Bailey , Nina Toussaint-White , Kevin McKidd
- Network : BYUtv
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters , Activism ( Civic engagement ) , Family Stories ( Dads , Grandparents , Moms , Siblings ) , Friendship , STEM ( Nature ) , Transportation ( Trains )
- Character Strengths : Communication
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 8, 2025
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