What Is Tell It To The Bees About?
If you're a parent wondering whether "Tell It To The Bees" is appropriate for your kids, you've come to the right place, guys. This 2019 drama has been generating quite a bit of conversation, and I completely understand why you'd want to know what you're getting into before sitting down to watch it with your family. Let's break everything down so you can make the best decision for your household.
What Is "Tell It To The Bees" About?
"Tell It To The Bees" is a British drama film that was directed by
The Storyline and Main Themes
The movie is based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Fiona Shaw, and let me tell you, it's a emotionally charged story that explores some pretty heavy topics. Set in a small Scottish town during the 1950s, the film follows the story of a young woman named Lydia who falls in love with a local beekeeper named Jean. The film beautifully captures their forbidden romance against the backdrop of societal expectations and prejudice. The bees themselves serve as a powerful metaphor throughout the film, representing community, nature's cycles, and the idea that some truths are better shared than hidden.
The Historical Context That Matters
The 1950s setting isn't just for aesthetic purposes, guys. It plays a crucial role in understanding why the relationship between Lydia and Jean is so complicated. During this era, same-sex relationships were illegal in the United Kingdom, and people who were discovered could face serious legal consequences and social ostracism. The film doesn't shy away from this reality, and it presents the challenges faced by the characters with a raw honesty that might be eye-opening for younger viewers who aren't familiar with this period of history.
Age Rating and Why It Matters
Understanding the BBFC Classification
The film has been classified as 15 by the British Board of Film Classification, which means it's not suitable for anyone under 15 years old. This rating is crucial information for parents, and here's why the BBFC arrived at this decision. The classification takes into account factors like violence, language, sexual content, and theme intensity, all of which we'll explore in detail throughout this guide. If you're in the United States, this would roughly translate to an R rating, so American parents should keep that in mind when making their decision.
Why the 15 Rating Was Given
The BBFC cited several reasons for this classification, including same-sex romantic scenes that go beyond what would be acceptable for a PG-13 equivalent, some disturbing content related to family conflict, and emotional themes that require a certain level of maturity to process. Understanding these specific factors can help you determine whether your teenager is ready to handle this material responsibly.
Violence and Disturbing Content
Physical Violence in the Film
You won't find action-packed fight scenes or graphic violence in "Tell It To The Bees," but there are moments that might be difficult to watch. The film includes scenes where characters experience emotional outbursts, including a particularly intense confrontation between Lydia and her father that involves raised voices and emotional manipulation. There are also references to past trauma and the consequences of societal rejection that contribute to the overall weight of the narrative.
Psychological and Emotional Disturbing Elements
The more significant concern for many parents will be the psychological weight of the film rather than physical violence. Characters struggle with feelings of isolation, fear of discovery, and the pain of hiding their true selves. These themes can be quite heavy for younger viewers, and some teenagers might find themselves emotionally affected by scenes depicting the characters' internal struggles and external conflicts with their community.
References to Self-Harm and Mental Health
Without giving away too many spoilers, the film does touch upon themes of mental distress and what can happen when people feel trapped by their circumstances. While these moments aren't gratuitously depicted, they are important plot points that contribute to the emotional arc of the story. Parents of sensitive viewers should be prepared to discuss these themes afterward if they arise.
Sexual Content and Romantic Themes
The Relationship Between Lydia and Jean
The romantic relationship at the center of the film is portrayed with tenderness and authenticity, which is actually one of the film's strengths. The scenes between the two leads are intimate but not explicit, focusing more on emotional connection than physical spectacle. However, they do include passionate kissing and scenes of the characters together in bed, which is why the film received its higher age rating.
Understanding the Context of LGBTQ+ Representation
For families who are open to discussing LGBTQ+ themes, this film can serve as a starting point for important conversations about history, acceptance, and the struggles that LGBTQ+ individuals have faced. The film presents its central relationship with dignity and respect, showing both the joy and the challenges that come with it. Parents who are comfortable with these discussions will find the film to be a thoughtful portrayal, while those who aren't may want to wait until their children are older.
What Parents Should Know About the Intimate Scenes
The romantic scenes in the film are handled tastefully and aren't designed to be exploitative. However, they are clearly meant for adult audiences, and that's an important distinction. The scenes progress naturally as part of the story and aren't gratuitous, but they do include nudity and sexual activity that would be inappropriate for younger children. The film respects its characters enough to portray their relationship seriously rather than sensationalizing it.
Language and Dialogue
The Type of Language Used
The language in "Tell It To The Bees" is relatively mild compared to many R-rated films, but it's not completely clean either. Characters occasionally use mild profanity, and there are instances of stronger language during emotionally charged scenes. The dialogue also includes period-appropriate insults and derogatory terms related to LGBTQ+ individuals, which reflect the historical setting and the prejudice faced by the characters.
Why This Matters for Your Viewing Decision
If you have strong feelings about the type of language your children are exposed to, you'll want to be aware that while the film doesn't rely heavily on profanity, it does include dialogue that reflects the harmful attitudes of the era. This can be educational from a historical perspective, but it's also important to discuss why such language is harmful and how language around identity has evolved since the 1950s.
Emotional Themes and Sensitivity
Grief and Loss
The film deals extensively with themes of grief, particularly through the character of Lydia and her relationship with her mother who has recently passed away. These scenes can be quite moving and may resonate with viewers who have experienced similar losses. The emotional weight of these moments shouldn't be underestimated, and younger viewers or those who are sensitive to themes of death and mourning might find themselves needing a moment after the film ends.
Family Conflict and Rejection
Another major theme in the film is the conflict that arises when family members fail to accept one another. The tension between Lydia and her father is palpable throughout the film, and viewers witness the pain of being rejected by someone you're supposed to love unconditionally. This theme can be particularly affecting for teenagers who may be dealing with their own family dynamics or who are sensitive to themes of acceptance and belonging.
Social Isolation and Community Pressure
The characters in the film feel the weight of their community's judgment, and this social pressure creates a constant undercurrent of tension. For viewers who have experienced bullying, social exclusion, or the pressure to conform, these themes might hit close to home. While the film handles these topics thoughtfully, they can still be emotionally intense for certain audiences.
Is "Tell It To The Bees" Appropriate for Kids?
The Short Answer
Based on the content of the film, including its themes, language, sexual content, and emotional intensity, "Tell It To The Bees" is most appropriate for viewers aged 15 and older. Even within that age range, parents should consider their individual child's maturity level and sensitivity to heavy themes before allowing them to watch the film.
What to Consider for Teenagers
Teenagers who are 15 or older may be ready to handle the content, but parents should take into account whether their teen tends to be more emotionally sensitive or mature beyond their years. Some teenagers will be able to engage with the film's themes critically and thoughtfully, while others might find the emotional weight overwhelming. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, and knowing your individual child is the best guide.
Why Younger Children Should Wait
Children under 15 are likely to struggle with several aspects of this film. The romantic content is inappropriate for younger viewers, the emotional themes of grief and rejection require emotional maturity that most children haven't developed yet, and the historical context might be confusing or distressing without proper framing. These aren't reasons to avoid the film entirely, but they are reasons to wait.
What Parents Can Discuss With Children After Watching
Starting the Conversation About LGBTQ+ History
If you do decide to watch this film with your teenager, it opens up opportunities for meaningful conversations about history, identity, and acceptance. You can discuss how societal attitudes have changed since the 1950s, the importance of supporting friends and family members who might be struggling with their identity, and the ongoing fight for equality that continues today.
Talking About Grief and Processing Emotions
The film's handling of grief can also lead to important discussions about how people process loss in different ways. You might talk about healthy versus unhealthy coping mechanisms, the importance of talking about our feelings, and how supporting others through difficult times can make a difference.
Exploring Themes of Courage and Authenticity
The characters in the film demonstrate tremendous courage in being true to themselves despite the risks involved. This can spark conversations about what it means to be authentic, standing up for what you believe in, and the importance of creating safe spaces where people can be themselves without fear of judgment.
Similar Films and Alternatives
Films With Similar Themes
If you find that "Tell It To The Bees" seems too intense for your family but you're interested in films with similar themes, there are alternatives worth considering. Films like "Carol" (also an LGBTQ+ romance set in a different era), "The Hours" (exploring themes of identity and women's lives), or "The Imitation Game" (a historical drama about persecution) offer some thematic overlap while varying in intensity.
More Approachable LGBTQ+ Films for Families
For families looking to introduce LGBTQ+ themes in a more accessible way, animated films like "The Prince of Egypt" or live-action options like "Love, Simon" offer different perspectives that might be more appropriate for younger audiences. These films provide opportunities for discussion without the heavier content found in "Tell It To The Bees."
Final Verdict for Parents
Making the Right Choice for Your Family
At the end of the day, the decision about whether to let your teenager watch "Tell It To The Bees" is a personal one that depends on your family's values, your child's maturity level, and your comfort with the film's content. The film is beautifully made and thoughtfully portrays its characters with depth and compassion, but it's also emotionally heavy and includes content that requires a certain level of maturity to process.
What Makes This Film Worth Watching
For older teenagers and adults who are prepared for the content, "Tell It To The Bees" offers a moving and important story about love, acceptance, and the courage it takes to be yourself. The bees throughout the film serve as a beautiful metaphor, and the message that some truths are worth telling resonates long after the credits roll. If you decide this film is right for your family, it can be a meaningful shared experience that sparks important conversations.
Trust Your Parental Instincts
You know your children better than anyone else, so trust your instincts when making this decision. If you have any doubts about whether your child is ready for the content, it's better to err on the side of caution and wait until they're a bit older. There will always be time to revisit this film in the future, and waiting won't diminish its impact or meaning.
