Secret Society of Second Born Royals (2020)
Story overview
Secret Society of Second Born Royals is a 2020 family-friendly action-adventure film that follows Sam, a teenage princess who discovers she has superpowers and joins a secret society of other second-born royals with extraordinary abilities. Together, they train to protect the world while navigating royal responsibilities, friendship dynamics, and teenage rebellion. The film blends superhero elements with coming-of-age themes in a lighthearted, comedic style appropriate for younger audiences.
Parent Guide
A wholesome superhero adventure suitable for elementary school children and families. The film focuses on positive messages about teamwork, self-discovery, and responsibility with minimal concerning content. The action is mild, the humor is clean, and the themes are age-appropriate.
Content breakdown
Stylized superhero action with energy blasts, mild combat training, and non-graphic confrontations. No blood, gore, or realistic violence. Some mild peril when characters face threats, but resolution is always safe and positive.
Brief moments of mild tension during action sequences, but nothing truly frightening. Villain is non-threatening and cartoonish. No jump scares or disturbing imagery.
No profanity, crude language, or inappropriate dialogue. Clean, family-friendly conversation throughout.
No sexual content, nudity, or romantic situations beyond mild, age-appropriate crushes. Characters occasionally hug or show platonic affection.
No depiction of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or substance use of any kind.
Mild emotional moments related to family expectations, friendship conflicts, and self-discovery. Resolution is always positive and uplifting. No intense sadness, trauma, or heavy themes.
Parent tips
This film is ideal for family viewing with children ages 8 and up. The action sequences are mild and cartoonish without graphic violence. The superhero themes emphasize teamwork, responsibility, and self-discovery. Parents might discuss: how Sam balances her royal duties with her personal desires, the importance of friendship and trust among the young royals, and what it means to use special abilities for good. The film presents positive messages about embracing one's unique qualities and working together.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- Which character did you like best?
- What was your favorite part of the movie?
- Can you draw a picture of the secret society?
- What would you do if you had superpowers?
- Why do you think Sam didn't want to be a princess at first?
- How did the friends help each other in the movie?
- What does it mean to have responsibility like the royals?
- How did the characters' different abilities help them work as a team?
- What would you do if you had to keep a big secret like the society?
- How does the film portray the pressure of expectations vs. personal identity?
- What commentary does the movie make about privilege and using it for good?
- How realistic do you find the teenage dynamics in the film?
🎭 Story Kernel
The film explores the tension between inherited duty and individual identity through its royal second-borns. While marketed as a superhero origin story, it's fundamentally about characters wrestling with predetermined roles they never chose. Sam's journey from rebellious princess to responsible leader mirrors every teenager's struggle against expectations, but with literal superpowers at stake. The narrative cleverly uses monarchical hierarchy as a metaphor for genetic privilege - these teens didn't earn their abilities through merit, but must decide how to wield inherited power responsibly. The villain's motivation (feeling overlooked as a second-born) reinforces how the system creates its own opposition.
🎬 Visual Aesthetics
The cinematography employs a bright, saturated palette reminiscent of teen dramas, contrasting sharply with darker, grittier superhero aesthetics. Training sequences use dynamic tracking shots that emphasize physical growth, while royal scenes favor symmetrical compositions highlighting institutional rigidity. Costume design subtly signals character arcs: Sam's transition from ripped jeans to tactical gear mirrors her acceptance of duty. The CGI-powered abilities maintain a consistent visual language of glowing energy signatures, avoiding the common pitfall of inconsistent power displays. Palace interiors feel deliberately sterile, making the training facility's utilitarian design seem liberating by comparison.
🔍 Details & Easter Eggs
💡 Behind the Scenes
The film shot primarily in Toronto, using Casa Loma as the royal palace exterior. Peyton Elizabeth Lee (Sam) performed many of her own stunts after intensive training. Director Anna Mastro emphasized practical effects where possible, with the glowing energy effects added in post-production. The script went through multiple revisions to balance superhero action with coming-of-age elements, originally conceived as a television series before becoming a Disney+ original film.
Where to watch
Choose region:
- Disney Plus
Trailer
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