Once I Was a Beehive (2015)

Very well executed

It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

Blending excellent reporting and strong storytelling, this is a disturbing film truly stranger than fiction

This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama

I started this movie thinking it was a Christian film. There were Christian references but it was mainly a film of Mormon characters. That was disappointing since I am a Christian. I stuck with it though and all in all it wasn't a horrible movie.I didn't notice a lot of Mormon evangelism. However, there were references to prayer and the existence of Jesus. There was a strong emphasize on the need for teamwork which was the main theme of the movie.I think many people will enjoy this movie. It would be great for a family movie night. The acting is great, there's humor and friendship.

Well done.Hello people, this is my first review, as I was motivated so much from this film. English is not my native language, so forgive any of my mistakes, only if you wish to do so.Secondly, I'm not a Mormon, I'mo not a fanatic of religion, not even a so called Hellas citizen, but as Socrates says (yes,says,not "said"), I am a citizen of this world.The film is truly excellent, one of it's kind, strong enough to carry each one of us deep into the most simple truth in life..difference is only to the outside. Cause inside of us, each person carries the unity not only of human kind, but the unity of universe itself, the unity of the whole universe into one soul mind and body..and this beats everything.As Socrates one day said, while going to a spring to drink water with his cup, that this child beat me in simplicity, when seeing a child by drinking with his own hands from the spring. Then he dropped the cup away, so that he could act the same as the child did.So, I'm admitting the same. This film beats me in simplicity, by being witness of their strength, by their pure wisdom, by their effort to help each other in every and each possible way, seeing each other's weaknesses, not to criticize them, but wanting to change them to their best possible strength again, finding themselves in this world throughout their pure good will intentions..throughout unity.Eventually, the human spirit and the governments of this world, could have learn enough if not all, from the very best example of.. at least once they were a Beehive.10 stars from me..they deserve the whole world.Thank you all.

Many of the user reviews are from members of the Mormon faith. Their reviews focus on the Mormon faith. This movie is not about religion; it's about friendship. Lane, the main character, was raised my her free-spirited dad (whose faith comes from nature). A year after his death Lane's mother marries a man who is Mormon (again, that doesn't matter). Enter Phoebe, a 12 year old girl riddled with anxiety,and Lane's new step cousin. Lane is the only "non-adult" that accepts Phoebe (in Pheobe's mind). Phoebe's mom's fried, an over the top woman, encourages Phoebe to go. Phoebe doesn't want to. Lane overhears the conversation and reluctantly goes to support Phoebe. Lane suddenly realizes that she is with a bunch of crazy (no offense to Mormons) girls who yell Biblical songs, have weird names, and who are clique-y. Lane is given the chance to go home before she reaches camp, but decides against it. When the girls arrive at camp, Lane and Phoebe support one another while the other girls follow the direction of their "Laurel" leader, Brea. Lane finds solace in Nedra, a 65 year old Vietnam vet. Nedra educates Lane on faith, while not being preachy about it. (SPOILER ALERT: when something bad happens to Phoebe's dog, Lane consoles her about grief and lose. But, while doing so, we can see how Lane switches from consoling Phoebe's pain, to feeling her own pain of her father's death. (END OF SPOILER ALERT) I enjoyed that Lane stated that she still did not know what she believed in, and that it was met with acceptance by the entire camp. Caution: be prepared to cry at some scenes. This movie is about friendship, and the release of grief and loss. Pay no attention to the religious aspects of this film. A.k.a. be open-mined and you'll have two hours of a great story! ALSO the over-the-top camp leader and girls' humor.

Once I Was a Beehive is a pretty bad movie. It is an independent film, but it still didn't really deliver. I can see how someone might enjoy it, but from a film critic's standpoint that really appreciates well made films and is bothered by filmmaking flaws, the movie isn't that good. I'll admit, I did laugh out loud a few times. There are a few pretty good jokes in the movie, but most of them fall flat. Another thing I do like is some of the emotion that is shown throughout. Other than that, the writing and acting is very weak. I found a lot of the actors to be annoying, but the best actor in the film is probably Mila Smith, who played Phoebe. There are also a lot of plot points that were predictable. If you're a young woman who is Mormon and has been to Girls Camp, then you might like the movie. Otherwise, do something valuable with your time.