IMDb RATING
6.4/10
6.8K
YOUR RATING
In 1950s small town Britain, a doctor develops a relationship with her young patient's mother.In 1950s small town Britain, a doctor develops a relationship with her young patient's mother.In 1950s small town Britain, a doctor develops a relationship with her young patient's mother.
- Awards
- 2 wins & 6 nominations
Billy Boyd
- Older Charlie
- (voice)
Lauren Annie Boyle
- Chanting Girl #1
- (as Lauren Boyle)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaLydia and Charlie's cottage was filmed at Kirkton, Aberfoyle.
- Quotes
Dr. Jean Markham: You should tell the bees your secrets. Then they won't fly away.
- ConnectionsReferences Heidi (1937)
Featured review
Charlie is a problem
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.
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.
helpful•2513
- SnoopyStyle
- Aug 7, 2019
Details
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $151,107
- Runtime1 hour 48 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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