ONCE I WAS A BEEHIVE (PG)
Released by Purdie Distribution
Reviewed by Adam Mast
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 vibe 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 overall, this movie is fairly well grounded. Even a scene in which a few of the Beehives bear 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 that rare movie you can take the entire family to see.
ONCE I WAS A BEEHIVE is playing in limited release but the strong word of mouth surrounding it will all but guarantee that it will be expanding to more markets in the coming weeks.
