Based on the New York Times best selling novel, The Secret Life of Bees is a coming of age story without the sappiness that many directors think women want. Despite the women-centric story line, it’s not overly touchy-feely, nor should it be pegged a “chick-flick.”

Set in rural South Carolina in 1964, Bees is the moving story of 14 year-old Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) who is haunted by the memory of her tragically killed mother.

Starring Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, and Sophie Okonedo, Bees features this ensemble of engaging women that take in Lily as she searches for love, redemption, and to fill in the gaps left by her mother’s passing.

After Lily’s caregiver Rosaleen (Hudson) is beaten by racist white men on her way to register to vote, she decides once and for all that it’s time to flee the town she lives. Lily sets her heart on discovering the truth about her mother, and together the two set out to find a new place to live.

A trio of black women (Latifah, Keys, and Okenedo) who run a beekeeping business on their property are suddenly thrust into upheaval when they take in the two runaways. The oldest, August (Latifah), immediately accepts Lily into her maternal embrace, while the youngest sister June (Keys), a burgeoning black power activist, is more skeptical of the white runaway. Also in the house is May (Okonedo), emotionally damaged by the death of her twin sister some years earlier, who forms an immediate bond with Rosaleen.

Surrounded by the unexpected comforts, grace, and deep rooted spirituality, Lily soon forms maternal and sisterly bonds with each of the women. Through their strength and female empowerment Lily finds confidence, love, and ultimately the truth about her mother and herself.

But the story isn’t merely a coming of age story about a young white girl. Each of the actresses stakes out their character as defined individuals, aided greatly by director/screenwriter Gina Prince-Bythewood . She allows each character room for depth and their own intertwining stories.

Admittedly, I was expecting a cliché story of women empowerment and stereotypical characters, yet I found “Bees” refreshingly un-sappy, touching, and intelligent. There is a positive message delivered by the strength of spirit the women display throughout hard times and the ability to offer each other and themselves compassion. The movie isn’t overly-heavy on the life lessons, and draws out a range of emotions from the viewer. It felt natural and unforced as each character came to realizations that shaped their outlook.

Filmed beautifully on location in rural North Carolina, The Secret Life of Bees captures the kindness and beauty of the South even in a time of hate.

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Movie Review: ‘The Secret Life of Bees’

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