Charlie is a young boy trying to understand the world. His father Robert Weekes (Emun Elliott) is a brutal man who has abandoned him and his mother Lydia (Holliday Grainger). Charlie befriends Jean Markham (Anna Paquin) who keeps bees in her yard. She had recently returned home after her father's death. She's a woman's doctor and a lesbian which must be kept secret back then in a small village. When Lydia and Charlie get evicted, they move in with Jean. Slowly, Jean succumbs to Lydia and the secret cannot be kept hidden.
Charlie is a problem. His turn is a problem. It's hard to understand his action when the movie doesn't seem to know him either. It needs to be set up better. His motivation is like a swarm of bees. It's hard to know which one is important and which one is not. Does he like his father? He fears being taken away but he's running away. Does he expect his family to be reunited? He's obsessed with secrets but what exactly does he know? What does he understand about love or sex? He doesn't seem to know and the movie is unable to specify his understanding. It may help to have an even younger actor in the role which would excuse his confusion. There is also the matter with the bees. It's a magical premise but the movie does not have the surreal magic needed to pull it off. While I appreciate the intended message, the movie never strays away from preaching its views. This could work but Charlie is a problem.
