Queen Bees

Movie Trailer

Release Date
June 11, 2021

Genre
Comedy, Drama, Romance

Cast & Crew

• Ellen Burstyn as Helen Wilson
• James Caan as Dan Simpson
• Ann-Margret as Margot Clark
• Jane Curtin as Janet Poindexter
• Loretta Devine as Sally Hanson
• Christopher Lloyd as Arthur Lane
• Elizabeth Mitchell as Laura Wilson
• Matthew Barnes as Kenny

Director
Michael Lembeck

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• The Santa Clause 2 (2002)
• The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006)
• Connie and Carla (2004)

Producer
Harrison Powell
Dominique Telson
Fred Bernstein

Writer
Donald Martin
Harrison Powell

Budget
$10 million (estimated)

Production Company
Astute Films
Gravitas Ventures

Running Time
100 minutes

Languages
English (Original)

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Mild language
• Some suggestive material
• Themes of aging and loss

Movie Story
Queen Bees is a heartwarming comedy-drama that follows the life of Helen Wilson (Ellen Burstyn), a fiercely independent widow who reluctantly moves into a retirement community while her home undergoes repairs after a fire. Despite her initial resistance to the idea, Helen soon discovers that the retirement community is not what she expected. It’s a lively place with cliques, gossip, and even a bit of romance, reminiscent of a high school environment.

At the heart of the story are Helen’s interactions with the “Queen Bees,” a group of women who run the social scene at the community. The group includes Margot (Ann-Margret), the flirtatious and glamorous leader, Janet (Jane Curtin), the sharp-tongued and no-nonsense enforcer, and Sally (Loretta Devine), the sweet and caring member who quickly befriends Helen. Initially, Helen clashes with the Queen Bees, particularly with Margot and Janet, as she tries to maintain her independence and resist their attempts to integrate her into their social circle.

As Helen begins to let her guard down, she finds herself slowly drawn into the community’s dynamics. She also meets Dan Simpson (James Caan), a charming and kind-hearted fellow resident who takes an interest in her. Despite her initial reluctance to get involved romantically again, Helen and Dan develop a deep connection, leading to a sweet and mature love story.

The film humorously explores the challenges and joys of aging, the importance of friendship, and the possibility of finding love at any stage of life. Through her journey, Helen learns to embrace the changes in her life and discovers that it’s never too late to make new friends, find love, and start anew. Queen Bees is filled with light-hearted moments, witty banter, and touching scenes that celebrate the resilience and spirit of its senior characters.

Special Effects
Queen Bees focuses more on character-driven storytelling and dialogue than on special effects. The film’s charm lies in its well-crafted characters and the performances of its veteran cast. The production design effectively portrays the retirement community as a vibrant and lively place, full of color and personality, reflecting the lively spirits of its residents.

Box Office Performance
Queen Bees was released in theaters and on-demand, finding a modest but appreciative audience, particularly among older viewers. The film’s relatable themes and strong performances resonated with its target demographic, and it performed well on streaming platforms, where it found a broader audience.

Filming Locations

• Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Just because I’m in a retirement home doesn’t mean I’m in a rut!” – Helen Wilson
• “We’re not mean girls; we’re just old.” – Janet Poindexter
• “Life is full of surprises, even when you think it’s all behind you.” – Dan Simpson

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Michael Lembeck, known for his work in family comedies, brought his experience to Queen Bees, focusing on creating a film that was both entertaining and emotionally resonant. The film’s ensemble cast, featuring seasoned actors like Ellen Burstyn, James Caan, Ann-Margret, and Jane Curtin, brought depth and humor to their roles, making the characters relatable and endearing. The script, written by Donald Martin and Harrison Powell, was inspired by the experiences of older adults and aimed to portray aging with both honesty and warmth.

Awards

• N/A

Final Verdict
Queen Bees is a delightful and feel-good film that offers a lighthearted yet meaningful exploration of life in a retirement community. The film’s standout performances, particularly by Ellen Burstyn and James Caan, bring humor, heart, and authenticity to the story. While it may not break new ground in terms of plot, Queen Bees succeeds in providing an enjoyable and uplifting viewing experience, particularly for those interested in stories about friendship, love, and the joys of aging gracefully.

IMDb Rating
6.1/10