Tell It to the Bees is a tender and poignant romantic drama set in 1950s Scotland, a time when society placed heavy restrictions on personal freedom and love outside of traditional norms. Based on the novel by Fiona Shaw, the film explores forbidden love, resilience, and the power of compassion in a world that is quick to judge.
The story follows Lydia, a struggling single mother portrayed with quiet strength by Holliday Grainger. Her life takes an unexpected turn when her young son Charlie befriends Dr. Jean Markham, played by Anna Paquin. Jean, a compassionate but misunderstood doctor, keeps bees in her garden, and Charlie finds solace in sharing his secrets with them. As Lydia and Jean’s friendship grows deeper, it blossoms into a love that challenges the rigid social boundaries of their small town.
Director Annabel Jankel captures the atmosphere of post-war Scotland with striking detail, highlighting both its bleakness and its beauty. The cinematography emphasizes muted tones and soft light, creating a sense of intimacy that mirrors the emotional struggles of the characters. The bees themselves serve as a symbolic thread throughout the narrative, representing secrecy, communication, and the fragile balance of life.
At its heart, Tell It to the Bees is about love’s quiet defiance. It explores how connection can bloom even in the harshest environments, and how truth, no matter how hidden, finds a way to emerge. Both Grainger and Paquin deliver heartfelt performances, embodying characters who risk everything for authenticity in a world that refuses to understand them.
Poetic and bittersweet, the film is not only a story of romance but also a reminder of the cost of silence and the courage it takes to be true to oneself.
