ONCE I WAS A BEEHIVE (PG)
Despite the fact that I’m a middle-aged male and have no idea what it’s like to be a Beehive (a member of an LDS Church camp for 12- to 14-year-old girls), it should be noted that even I couldn’t resist the charming, heartfelt messages at the center of Maclain Nelson’s affectionate, coming-of-age dramedy, “Once I Was a Beehive.” It should also be noted that my lovely wife, Tonja, has plenty of Beehive experience, and she found this film instantly relatable.
In “Once I Was a Beehive,” young Lane Speer (Paris Warner) must adjust to life after the unfortunate passing of her father (Adam Johnson). A year following the tragedy, Lane’s mother, Audrey (Amy Bidel), eventually finds new love in the form of a sweet-natured Mormon man. Eventually they are married, and this only adds to Lane’s confusion.
As the happy newlyweds head out on a honeymoon, Lane is left to stay with her new step-aunt, Holly (Hailey Smith). It’s an awkward situation at first, particularly given the family’s Mormon roots which are completely foreign to agnostic Lane. Fairly quickly though, this compassionate teen develops an unexpected bond with Holly’s adorably quirky daughter Phoebe (Mila Smith). In fact, the bond is so strong that when Lane discovers Phoebe doesn’t want to go on a Beehive campout for fear that she won’t fit in, Lane agrees to join her.
During her epic outdoor adventure—which includes, among other things, colorful sing-alongs, a flirtatious rendezvous with park rangers, and a terrifying encounter with a bear—Lane learns a bit about Mormon culture, but more importantly, she learns a great deal about herself.
Writer-director Maclain Nelson has fashioned a movie that is so well-intentioned and so heartfelt, it’s easy to overlook scenes that some viewers might construe as a little over the top. It helps that Nelson has a fantastic lead in Paris Warner.
Warner is vulnerable and honest as a teen trying to move past tragedy. Her Lane is also instrumental in making for an undeniably charming movie that will appeal to Mormons and non-Mormons alike. And “Once I Was a Beehive” will be of particular interest to those who have experienced the magical adventure that is the group campout.
There are quite a few themes flowing throughout this very earnest movie—friendship, family, the grieving process, faith—but it’s a testament to Nelson’s delicate touch that “Once I Was a Beehive” always feels genuine. Yes, there are some cheesy moments, but the movie is fairly well grounded. Even a scene in which a few of the Beehives bare their testimony avoids that sort of sappy, artificial sentimentality I was fully expecting. That’s because Nelson and his appealing cast are speaking from the heart.
“Once I Was a Beehive” is a pleasant diversion, and it’s movie you can take the entire family to see.
As if in mormonland you aren’t already saturated with mormon crap.
This is not a preachy movie, not by a long shot. I think you’ll be surprised at the relatable human experiences regardless of your religious persuasion. Everyone has experienced loss, everyone has had to deal with crazy people or situations in their lives. This movie presents these shared human experiences in a powerful yet entertaining way.
Hope to have it at our cinnnniplex in Kelso Washington, for the surronding communities to see this Family Film!!