Once I Was a Beehive 2015

Since the credits indicate that the film was shot in Utah and features several characters who are Mormons, it’s likely that the story unfolds in that setting. Lane, accompanied by her parents, Robert and Audrey, embarks on a camping trip. Lane, a charming yet somewhat rebellious teenager, finds herself absorbed in her phone instead of appreciating the breathtaking landscapes her father eagerly highlights. She yearns to be at an event known as the Battle of the Bands. Upon arrival at their destination, Lane is prompted to disconnect from technology and embrace the experience around her. As she takes in her surroundings, we get a glimpse into her father’s strong Christian beliefs, illustrated by symbols like the fish emblem on their vehicle. Lane’s narration reveals that Robert has often brought others to this scenic spot to extend his faith and support. He imparts wisdom to Lane, reminding her that he won’t always be available to guide her.

Tragically, seven months after Robert is diagnosed with a tumor, the family gathers for his funeral. The timeline of the initial camping scenes in relation to this sorrowful event is unclear. Following her father’s passing, Audrey crosses paths with Tristan in a grief support group, and within a year, they’re set to marry. Unfortunately, Lane’s childish resistance prevents her from accepting Tristan into their lives. To complicate matters, the honeymoon involves a three-week cruise, and despite Lane’s declarations of independence at age 16, her mother worries enough to arrange for her to stay with Tristan’s sister, Holly. Lane’s family is not Mormon, unlike Tristan’s, but Audrey strives to demonstrate her love for Lane during this tumultuous time.

Reluctantly, Lane attends a pre-wedding dinner but finds herself retreating for some solitude, where she encounters Phoebe, Holly’s intelligent and somewhat neurotic daughter. With a plethora of phobias, Phoebe seeks refuge with her tiny service dog, Roxy, to navigate her anxieties. Surprisingly, Lane connects with Phoebe more genuinely than with most others, hinting that their relationship could flourish.

As the wedding day arrives, Lane copes well initially, but she breaks down in tears once the couple departs, prompting her to be comforted back to her bed. After a late start to the day, more complications emerge as Sister Carrie Carrington visits, attempting to convince Phoebe to attend a multi-day girls’ camp. Though hesitant, both girls ultimately agree to join the adventure, primarily for the comfort they find in each other’s company.

What unfolds is predictable: a van in tow with a trailer that humorously resembles Noah’s Ark, accompanied by a group of teenage girls singing delightfully cheesy Christian tunes – the kind that have stood the test of time. Lane assumes the role of the narrator, introducing the group members: Bree, Carrie’s assertive daughter; Paige, Bree’s closest confidante; Charlotte, who struggles with self-confidence; Hannah, who tunes everyone out with her headphones; and the sisters Maleka, Mykelle, and Makenna, whimsically named during a Scrabble game.

Before reaching Spring Lake, they encounter the Bishop and a woman named Nedra, who, while different from typical Christian figures, imparts valuable lessons on morals. Lane expresses her desire to ride alongside them, hoping it will ensure the Bishop stays with the group. At this point, she confesses to pondering a retreat back home.

As they arrive, the girls tackle the challenge of erecting three tents, learning that they can only rely on one another for help, as the adults—Carrie, Holly, the Bishop, and Nedra—relax in the comfort of the “ark.” To everyone’s surprise, Lane proves to be quite adept at tent building, thanks to her father’s teaching, while Phoebe also shines in her knowledge. As newcomers to the group, they are designated as the “Beehives,” which aptly gives the film its title. Phoebe’s secret about bringing Roxy along complicates matters further, as she implores Lane to keep it hidden.

The self-assured elite girls, who presume they have everything under control, soon find themselves unprepared when rain arrives unexpectedly on their first night, leading to chaotic attempts to seek shelter. The girls crowd into the only surviving tent, which Lane and Phoebe successfully constructed.

The following morning, a new day of responsibilities begins, and as the girls embark on a hike towards a glacier, they encounter attractive rangers, stirring crushes in some of the campers. Unfortunately, they end up lost during their hike, but Lane steps up to navigate, ultimately guiding them to a snowy area where the surprise awaits: snowballs and delightful fruit-flavored sno-cones courtesy of Carrie. This causes jealousy in Bree, who feels overshadowed when Lane garners attention.

After an exhausting day, while most hit the hay, Lane stays up to assist Nedra in preparing a meal using a cherished recipe, delighting the other girls. Amidst further campsite chores, the group’s mood dampens as they learn a bear has been spotted in the area. Phoebe’s confession about Roxy being with her leads to a tense search for the dog, as Lane and Bree reluctantly support her against the perceived bear threat. After narrowly escaping the encounter, the experience reshapes their perspectives about the value of faith and the importance of community.

The group confronts the dilemma of whether to stay despite the bear’s presence or return home. Through encouragement, they agree to continue their journey, with Phoebe ultimately deciding to stay. As they engage in new activities that promote teamwork, they meticulously decipher clues that reference Bible verses, thanks to Phoebe’s notable contributions.

Eventually, the Bishop arrives triumphantly with Roxy, who, after her adventure with the bear, is relieved to be reunited with Phoebe. That evening, as they gather around the campfire, each girl shares her testimony. Phoebe, despite her quirks, expresses her deep faith, while Lane, acknowledging her differences from the group, emphasizes the positive impact this experience has had on her life. Bree rounds off the discussions by recognizing the support Lane and Phoebe provided, highlighting a cherished bond formed during this meaningful summer camp.