Once I Was A Beehive

Once I Was a Beehive is a heartwarming, 2015 family drama film, directed by Maclain Nelson. The movie stars Paris Warner, Lisa Clark, and Hailey Smith playing lead roles with honest, heartfelt performances that truly bring the story to life.

The storyline primarily revolves around Lane Speer, portrayed by the brilliant Paris Warner. Lane is a carefree teenager enjoying her summers in the mountains of Northern Utah with her father, engaging in outdoor activities like fishing and camping. She cherishes the time spent in nature, the peace it brings, the sense of freedom, and the bonding she shares with her father.

However, Lane's life takes a detour down a different path after she tragically loses her father to cancer. As Lane navigates through her grief and the emotional fallout, her mother remarries quickly, causing Lane to feel stuck between her past and the seeming hurry to move on. Her new stepfather, a cheerful and kindhearted individual, brings into the family fold a dedicated and faithful Mormon family.

Lane's world begins to alter significantly when she is introduced to her new stepsister, Phoebe. The character of Phoebe, played by the talented Mila Smith, is a passionate, fun-loving Mormon girl who is genuinely excited about going to the Young Women’s Summer Camp. She continuously attempts to convince the unenthusiastic Lane to accompany her. Though the prospect of joining this adventure does not immediately appeal to her, Lane eventually gives in, marking the start of one of the most unique and transformative journeys of her life.

The Young Women’s Summer Camp is where the story gains its momentum. The camp, filled with an array of girls from diverse backgrounds, opened up a world of new experiences and perspectives for Lane. She meets a multitude of characters, each with their own stories, anxieties, and life’s victories. Together, they embark on several misadventures, including bear encounters, pranks, teenage crushes, and the infamous “Testimony Pancakes.”

While Lane initially struggles with the religious practices and traditions of the camp, she forms an unlikely bond with the girls, especially her tent mates. She navigates through her initial awkwardness, prejudices, and various learning curves. This whole experience brings Lane face-to-face with her grief, her resilience, and her journey towards healing and self-discovery.

On her journey, Lane meets a host of other interesting characters. Lisa Clark plays the camp leader, a woman who is tender, warm, resilient, and naturally goofy. Her character carries a deep understanding of the girls she oversees and tries her best to guide them on their path to self-realization.

Hailey Smith's character portrays the quirky, fun-loving, but deeply sensitive girl in the camp. Her character brings humor, warmth, and depth to the storytelling, making the audience, as well as Lane, realize the power of friendship and the importance of embracing everyone's individualities.

Once I Was a Beehive explores several themes - faith, camaraderie, acceptance, loss, and healing, delicately weaving these into a well-narrated plot. It's a feel-good movie, albeit layered with serious life issues in a relatable context. Though it is grounded in the Mormon faith’s practices and traditions, the film speaks to a wider audience, resonating with any individual who has encountered trials and the journey towards healing.

Despite being a movie about teenagers at a summer camp, the film does not conform to the traditional coming-of-age trope. Instead, it paints a rich canvas of girlhood and the journey into adulthood, explored through the prism of faith, friendships, and a touch of adventure.

Once I Was a Beehive is an enchanting, poignant, and life-affirming tale, marked by sincere performances, a heartfelt script, and wonderful storytelling. With its mix of comedy, drama, and spiritual growth, it's sure to leave you with a smile and a healthy dose of reflection. It's an engaging film whether you're looking for a deep, emotional narrative or a light-hearted family movie to enjoy over the weekend.