REVIEW: ONCE I WAS A BEEHIVE Is Eye-Opening

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.

Niederpruem plays the quintessential vixen of the group and is the source of conflict for newcomer Lane. She sidesteps an easy to aim for Mean Girls interpretation and instead gives her character grace in the end. There is an excellent bear attack scene where she notably becomes the protector in fetal position, back to the bear, cradling Lane and Phoebe. Her subtly as an actress speaks volumes.

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.

By: Kai Elijah Hamilton
of Metallic Pink Popcorn and Mannequin Warehouse Productions 

10/4/15