Backdrop preview Secret Society of Second Born Royals backdrop
Secret Society of Second Born Royals

Secret Society of Second Born Royals (2020)

Sam is a teenage royal rebel, second in line to the throne of the kingdom of Illyria. Just as her disinterest in the royal way of life is at an all-time high, she discovers she has super-human abilities and is invited to join a secret society of similar extraordinary second-born royals charged with keeping the world safe.

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Directed by Anna Mastro

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Anna Mastro
Writer
  • Alex Litvak
  • Andrew Green
Producer
  • Andrew Green
  • Juliana Janes

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Action/Adventure/Comedy/Fantasy film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Secret Society of Second Born Royals distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director Anna Mastro brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2020, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Secret Society of Second Born Royals took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 473 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 2020, when this film is released:
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Secret Society of Second Born Royals shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Mary Poppins, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Secret Society of Second Born Royals offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Mr. & Mrs. Smith and The Three Investigators in The Secret of Skeleton Island explore similar territory, Secret Society of Second Born Royals stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: September 25, 2020
  • Runtime: 1h 37m

Where to Watch

Disney Plus