Once I Was a Beehive – Opening in theaters August 14

It was love at first sight when I saw the movie “Once I was a Beehive” announced on Facebook. I adore, cherish, and still laugh over my memories from Girls Camp as a teenager. Once I was a Beehive perfectly encapsulated all those nostalgic memories and more in a 119 minute family film. From nonsensical camp songs to camp crushes to tear-filled testimony nights, it was a delightful peek back into a classic right of passage for teenage girls.

While my daughter and I giggled through the camp skits (sneak peek here) and camp leader Carrie Carrington’s  (Lisa Valentine Clark’s) spot-on one liners, the core message of the film is what stole my heart. Specifically this quote:

Before I get any further into my review, here’s a sneak peek into the film that opens in theaters across Utah TODAY and a brief synopsis!

In ONCE I WAS A BEEHIVE, Lane Speer is a 16 year old girl who spends her family vacations camping in the mountains. She takes the memories for granted until she loses her father to an unexpected bout with cancer. Only a year later, as Lane is still reeling from her father’s death, her mother remarries a guy that Lane hardly knows. To top it off, while they are on their honeymoon, they arrange to have her stay with her Mormon step-aunt who takes her away to a bible-themed girls camp with a bunch of young Mormon girls. Confronted with memories of camping with her family, she tries to find peace with her new surroundings and deal with the death of her father.

What did I love most about the film? It was beautifully and hilariously relatable. I saw a little bit of myself in each character in the film.

Take for example the typical Mormon mom Holly Valentine (Hailey Smith) and then note what I unknowingly wore to the prescreening in the picture above and in this typical day outfit below. Nailed it with the colored cardy and polka dots. From the Indiana Jones references to the girl who pushes the side of the tent when it starts to rain, I promise you will be laughing and thinking of your own camping experiences.

The over-the-top camp leader Carrie Carrington one-liners were definitely highlights for me. From the outburst on the trail with her daughter (Well, we say it in mine!) to the lack luster launch of Noah’s ark, I swear I’ve been there. Poured hours of prayer, preparation, and superglue/glitter into sharing times/activity days/etc. only to have the end product fall a little short. Love the message of doing your best and then it being worth it as long as it brings everyone together.

The entire cast captured my heart and I love how the characters developed throughout the movie. While the film had some of your typical stereotypes (the diva, the girl who is there because her parents made her, the boy-crazy girl, the wilderness survival leader, etc.) what stood out to me was the humanness and relatability of those characters. We all have our mean-girl moments. We all go over the top sometimes. We all know people like those depicted in the film.

The best part? We all NEED each of those people in our life and that was showcased perfectly in the film. The characters recognized their flaws and when push came to shove – they worked together to help each other. It’s just like life. None are perfect – we all throw a snowball or two – but so much good can be done when we come together.

For any who have lost a loved one, Once I was a Beehive will warm your heart. The scenes between Lane (Paris Warner) and Nedra (Barta Heiner) by the fire as well as the closing scene between Lane and Phoebe (newcomer Mila Smith – who is darling!) spoke of the hope and the subsequent joy that will come when we are reunited someday. The movie made me want to squeeze my little ones a little tighter and take one last camping trip before school starts.

Once I Was a Beehive is the perfect family activity for this weekend before school starts. Check out showtimes here and make sure to request it in your city! Opening week is so important for films like this – let’s fill the seats and show Hollywood that we need more family films like Once I was a Beehive! I, for one, would love to see more from producers Maclain Nelson, Lisa Valentine Clark, Hailey Smith, Jake Van Wagoner, and Claire Niederpruem.

Check out what other bloggers and Youtubers have had to say about Once I was a Beehive:

How Does She – Alison was at the prescreening with me in Logan. My daughter was over the moon excited that she won one of her darling penguin sleeping bags. Thanks Alison!

Behind the Scenes on LDSLiving

Good Things Utah

Top 10 Reasons to Watch Once I was a Beehive by Something to Shout About

Celestial Shine

Be sure to check out Once I was a Beehive on their social media for more behind the scenes and updates!

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