There are some films
that’s sole intent is to make a big astronomical impression by forcing its
message down the audiences throat—although it could have been, Once I Was A Beehive
is thankfully not that type of picture. Writer and Director Maclain Nelson’s skillful
approach is deeply humble, allowing Once I Was A Beehive to snuggle
itself around you like a comforting blanket on a chilly night beside a campfire.
Lane Speer (Paris
Warner) is a troubled teen on the verge. Life’s accumulation of trials begins
to take its toll on Lane when her mother (Amy Biedel) prematurely remarries
after her father (Adam Johnson) dies of cancer. After slyly being nudged by counselor and kitschy scrapbook extraordinaire Carrie Carrington (played by a fabulously kooky Lisa Clark), Lane decides to embark on a
seemingly quixotic chance outing with a summer camp for Mormon girls—introverted
12 year old step-cousin Phoebe (Mila Smith) and stowaway dog in tow.
The budding
relationship of Lane and Phoebe is one of the many delights this film has to
offer. Both actresses give believable and grounded performances. Mila Smith
deserves considerable recognition for giving a layered performance that is wise
beyond her years. Paris Warner, a
raven-haired beauty, brings a flicker of edge to her character. By the end we
are not certain of her direction, either spiritually or secularly—and the
failure to resolve this is a wisely successful move.
One of the films best
assets is the presence of Barta Heiner playing the veteran motorcycle driving counselor Nedra. Heiner brings apparent experience along for the ride—providing an anchor
for the budding actresses around her. Her pensive performance aids the theme of
togetherness with rapture. In a mere glance, she conveys to us that she has
mentored her fair share of “Beehive’s” over the years.
Whereas all the
supporting campers were excellent in defining their characters, three truly
stood out—Kaley McCormack as Mindy, Allie Jennings as Charlotte and Clare
Niederpruem as Bree Carrington.
Allie Jennings is
retro-mod striking—a young Joan Crawford about her eyes. There is a cagey
breakaway from adolescence emoting from her on screen. She reminds you of that “boy-crazy
girl” we all remember at camp or that haunting girl that stole your first kiss
in Middle School. Jennings expressions and overall energy connects noticeably
with McCormack’s.
Fiery-haired Kaley McCormack
lights up the screen from her first shot to her very last. It’s as if the
camera and her have a love affair for one another—she’s the entrancing type of
actress that you fixate on long after the credits end. We see Mindy unafraid to
be herself. So much so that instead of inviting us into her own little world,
she just lives it unapologetic right out in front of us. McCormack is unforgettable. Her
comedic timing and dynamic improvisation skills are a sight to behold.
A chance to chat with
McCormack after the Western North Carolina Premiere resulted in some intriguing
insights. When asked about filming and playing her character Mindy, she bubbled
over with joy, “I just became me again. It was the hardest thing to do. To be
15 again… it was the most freeing experience I’ve ever had… it was eye-opening.
I felt like my own faith was brought out more by being with these people that
were so supportive and loving.” She gushed out the simplistic message of the
film with great conviction, “Don’t judge. Just love. Be open and aware of other
people and their beliefs because you’re not the only one. You don’t know what people
are going through.”
Director Maclain Nelson
gets extreme praise for making this a film everyone can connect with. It is not
a Mormon film. It is a film where the characters happen to be Mormon. Upfront
it expects us to understand that these characters are real people with
misunderstood beliefs—and in one fell swoop quietly wipes away any taboos. It
is a charming film about faith, healing, and coming-of-age. It is not preachy.
It is touching. It is as sweet and rich as honey.
Nelson’s spirit buzzes
through every gorgeous frame of Once I Was A Beehive. Not only through
the picturesque Cinematography by Joel Remke but also the delightful Costume
Design by Emily Jacobson and in the Music by Michael Lee Bishop. The catchy girls
camp song “Together” should be submitted for consideration as a Best Original
Song Oscar Nominee.
Just as Director Maclain
Nelson is destined for stardom, so are his actors. Mark my words. Soon enough
these familiar faces will truly be able to look back at what started it all and
poignantly recall Once I Was A Beehive.
of Metallic Pink Popcorn and Mannequin Warehouse Productions
10/4/15
