Queen Bees (2021): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch
Queen Bees is a 2021 comedy drama directed by Michael Lembeck, starring Ellen Burstyn as Helen Wilson, Elizabeth Mitchell and Matthew Barnes. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes and earned $2.3 million worldwide. Critics gave it 55% on Rotten Tomatoes and 52 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.4/10. Stream it on Paramount Plus and Paramount+, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 40m (100 min)
- Director
- Michael Lembeck
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Gravitas Ventures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Queen Bees About?
The premise of Queen Bees without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
Helen, a spirited and independent woman, unexpectedly finds herself needing to move into Pine Grove Senior Community. There, she's thrown into a surprisingly competitive environment filled with sharp-tongued residents, intricate social dynamics, and unexpected romantic possibilities. Navigating the complexities of geriatric rivalries and unrequited feelings, Helen discovers that new friendships and unexpected passions can blossom at any age, and it's never too late to redefine oneself.
Queen Bees Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- friendship
- friendship between women
- old people's home
- grandmother grandson relationship
- locked out
- memory loss
- teenage boy
- kitchen fire
- fire engine
- asking for forgiveness
- family relationships
- home renovation
+38 more Show fewer
- senior community
- massage therapist
- no opening credits
- indoor swimming pool
- walker the mobility device
- dining room
- listening to music
- clique
- african american
- flirting
- aquatics class
- bridge the card game
- accidental fire
- water sprinkler system
- female real estate agent
- flower shop
- ex teacher
- breakfast tray
- death of a bridge partner
- venetian blinds
- jazz music
- wipe editing technique
- stubbing one's toe
- bordeaux wine
- poetry book as a gift
- cancer
- teaching someone how to dance
- box step dance
- montage
- reference to john f. kennedy
- ex beautician
- munchies
- denial
- deception
- post it note
- beauty salon
- dating
- reference to grumpy character
Where to Watch Queen Bees
Stream it on Paramount Plus and Paramount+, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 5
Queen Bees Cast & Characters
Ellen Burstyn leads the cast as Helen Wilson, with Elizabeth Mitchell as Laura Crane and Matthew Barnes as Peter Crane. Directed by Michael Lembeck; 11 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Michael Lembeck
-
Ellen Burstyn as Helen Wilson -
Elizabeth Mitchell as Laura Crane - Matthew Barnes as Peter Crane
-
Jane Curtin as Janet Poindexter
Also Starring in Queen Bees
· 7 more- Christopher Lloyd Arthur Lane
- French Stewart Ken DeNardo
- Loretta Devine Sally Hanson
- James Caan Dan Simpson
- Ann-Margret Margot Clark
- Alec Mapa Lito Santos
- Ricky Russert Pablo Leon
Queen Bees Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Queen Bees 55% on Rotten Tomatoes and 52 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 49/100, strongest in character & emotion (65) and weakest in sensory experience (40).
Queen Bees Echo Score Breakdown
Queen Bees delivers a modestly enjoyable experience that leans on its seasoned cast rather than narrative innovation. Critics note its predictable, by‑the‑numbers structure, while audience members appreciate the heart‑warming moments and light humor. The film’s strengths lie in occasional warm performances, but its reliance on formula limits lasting impact. Overall, the movie offers a gentle, middle‑of‑the‑road viewing that may appeal to fans of senior‑focused dramedies without captivating a broader audience.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 45
In terms of direction and production design, the film is described as lightweight and by‑the‑numbers, with occasional choppy production values. Critics point to a predictable visual approach that lacks distinctive flair, though some note an anonymous efficiency in handling material. The overall impression is that the technical execution is serviceable but unremarkable, contributing to a modest rating for this aspect.
- Character & Emotion 65
When evaluating acting and character depth, reviewers consistently acknowledge the veteran ensemble’s charisma and warmth. Performances are praised as nuanced and enjoyable, with particular acclaim for the chemistry among senior actors. However, the script’s simplicity limits deeper character development, leading to some criticism about missed opportunities. The net effect is a generally positive view of the cast’s contribution, offset by limited narrative depth.
- Story & Flow 40
The story receives mixed feedback, with many critics labeling the plot as predictable, formulaic, and overly simplistic. While some reviewers find the dramedy light and likable, the lack of originality and measured pacing are seen as detracting factors. Audience comments echo the sentiment, noting a familiar, sometimes stale storyline. Consequently, the narrative aspect is rated toward the lower end of the scale.
- Sensory Experience 40
Sensory elements such as sound design and visual style are minimally addressed, with a few mentions of choppy production values and an overall lack of standout audio or visual features. The film’s soundtrack and soundscape are not highlighted as strengths, leading to a perception of a bland sensory experience. This aspect therefore receives a lower rating reflecting its unremarkable execution.
- Rewatch Factor 55
Rewatch value is seen as moderate; several viewers describe the film as sweet, funny, and enjoyable for older audiences, suggesting it could be revisited for its warm moments. Conversely, the predictable plot and occasional pandering reduce its long‑term appeal for some viewers. The balance of these opinions results in a middling score that reflects modest replay potential, particularly among fans of the genre.
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IMDb 6.4 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 55% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 89%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 52 Metascore
User score 4.6
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 60% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.8 /5
1 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 4.6 /5
See on Movie Insider
Queen Bees Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Queen Bees from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Helen Wilson, Ellen Burstyn, is a fiercely independent senior who dreads giving up her own home after a kitchen fire damages the heart of her house and repairs will take about a month. With little choice, she moves temporarily into Pine Grove, a place she views with caution and reluctance, unsure if the new surroundings can ever feel like home.
Full summary
The whole story of Queen Bees, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Queen Bees Box Office
Queen Bees grossed $2.3 million worldwide. $1.9 million came from the US and Canada and $389,165 (17%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$2.3M
- US & Canada
- $1.9M
- International
- $389.2K
Queen Bees Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Queen Bees.
How Well Do You Know Queen Bees?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name of the main character who temporarily moves into Pine Grove?
Cars in Queen Bees
12 cars on screen, including the 2000 Cadillac DeVille and the Infiniti Q50.
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2000 Cadillac DeVille Important role -
Infiniti Q50 Important role -
Harley-Davidson FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide Minor role -
2005 Buick LaCrosse Background role
Queen Bees Also Known As
14 alternative titles, including “Welcome to Pine Grove!” and “Never Too Late”.
- Also known as
-
- Welcome to Pine Grove!
- Never Too Late
- A Very Senior High
- At Last
- 欢迎来到松树林
- Včelí královny
- As Donas do Pedaço
- El club de las abejas reina
- Queen Bees - Im Herzen jung
- Дрянные старушки
- Trzy królowe
- 퀸 비즈
+2 more Show fewer
- Queen Bees - Emozioni senza età
- El club de les abelles reina
Seen Queen Bees?
Movies Like Queen Bees
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Tell It to the Bees, Beeswax and Queen Bee.
Queen Bees FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Queen Bees, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Queen Bees?
Queen Bees runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).
When was Queen Bees released?
Queen Bees was released on June 11, 2021.
Who directed Queen Bees?
Queen Bees was directed by Michael Lembeck.
More films by Michael Lembeck Who is in the cast of Queen Bees?
Queen Bees stars Ellen Burstyn as Helen Wilson, Elizabeth Mitchell as Laura Crane and Matthew Barnes as Peter Crane, among 11 credited actors.
Where can I watch Queen Bees?
In the US, Queen Bees is streaming on Paramount Plus, Paramount+ and Plex and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).
How much did Queen Bees make at the box office?
Queen Bees grossed $2.3 million worldwide ($1.9 million domestic, $389,165 international).
How is Queen Bees rated?
Queen Bees has 6.4/10 on IMDb, 55% on Rotten Tomatoes, 52 on Metacritic and 60% on TMDB.
Does Queen Bees have a post-credit scene?
No. Queen Bees has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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