Overview
“The Beekeeper” unfolds as a riveting tale of justice and redemption amidst a backdrop of cybercrime and intrigue. The plot follows retired schoolteacher Eloise Parker’s tragic demise after falling victim to a phishing scam, prompting her friend Adam Clay, a beekeeper, to seek retribution. As Clay delves into the murky world of cybercriminals, alliances shift, and secrets unravel, leading to a climactic confrontation with the mastermind behind the scam.
Warmly received by critics, the film had praise for its gripping storyline, intense action sequences, and thought-provoking themes. Reviewers lauded its exploration of justice, betrayal, power dynamics, and moral ambiguity, as well as its timely commentary on technology’s role in modern society. Performances by the cast, particularly in emotionally charged moments, were also commended.
Key themes include justice, betrayal, power struggles, moral ambiguity, loss, redemption, technology’s influence, and resilience. Through its compelling narrative and nuanced character development, “The Beekeeper” captivates audiences, prompting reflection on the complexities of morality, the consequences of our actions, and the enduring quest for truth and justice in an ever-evolving world.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Plot | “The Beekeeper” tells the story of retired schoolteacher Eloise Parker’s tragic demise after falling victim to a phishing scam, prompting her friend Adam Clay, a beekeeper, to seek retribution. The plot unfolds amidst cybercrime and intrigue, leading to a climactic confrontation with the scam’s mastermind. |
| Critical Reception | The film was warmly received by critics, who praised its gripping storyline, intense action sequences, and thought-provoking themes. Reviewers appreciated its exploration of justice, betrayal, power dynamics, and moral ambiguity, as well as its timely commentary on technology’s role in modern society. Performances by the cast, particularly in emotionally charged moments, were also commended. |
| Key Themes | Key themes include justice, betrayal, power struggles, moral ambiguity, loss, redemption, technology’s influence, and resilience. The film prompts reflection on the complexities of morality, the consequences of our actions, and the enduring quest for truth and justice in an ever-evolving world. |
Plot of the Movie
Retired schoolteacher Eloise Parker lives alone in Massachusetts, sharing her space with Adam Clay, a beekeeper renting a spot in her barn. Tragically, Eloise falls prey to a phishing scam, losing a substantial amount of money, including funds for a charity she oversees. This loss deeply affects her, leading to her taking her own life. Clay, discovering Eloise’s body, initially falls under suspicion by FBI agent Verona Parker, Eloise’s daughter. However, after investigations confirm Eloise’s death as a suicide, Clay is cleared. Verona informs him of the elusive group responsible for the scam, already on the FBI’s radar but difficult to catch. Seeking justice for Eloise, Clay seeks help from the secretive Beekeepers group.
Clay manages to locate the scammers’ base, a call center run by Mickey Garnett. He confronts the workers and destroys the building, prompting Garnett to report to his superior, tech executive Derek Danforth. Danforth orders Garnett to deal with Clay, leading to a violent showdown where Clay emerges victorious. Garnett, in his final moments, reveals Clay’s affiliation with the Beekeepers to Danforth. Clay, trailing Garnett, pulls him off a bridge with a truck, ending his threat and warning Danforth of his impending pursuit.
Danforth, concerned about Clay’s actions, alerts Wallace Westwyld, a former CIA director now in charge of security for Danforth Enterprises. Westwyld contacts the CIA director, who reaches out to the Beekeepers, discovering Clay’s retirement from the group. Despite Clay eliminating Anisette Landress, the Beekeepers declare neutrality. Meanwhile, Verona and her partner, Matt Wiley, anticipate Clay’s next move on the Nine Star United Center in Boston, the nerve center of Derek’s global scam call centers. With FBI support secured, they prepare for Clay’s assault.
Wallace organizes a team of ex-special forces operatives to counter Clay’s threat, acknowledging the Beekeepers’ formidable capabilities. The FBI deploys their SWAT unit to bolster security. Despite Danforth’s reluctance to evacuate, Clay overwhelms the FBI’s SWAT and penetrates the building, eliminating Wallace’s team and extracting vital information from the manager about Danforth’s complicity.
Verona updates FBI Deputy Director Prigg on Danforth’s control over both companies, crucial to various US government agencies. She stresses the risk Clay poses to Derek and even to Jessica, the US president, due to her involvement. As Clay eludes capture, Wallace advises Derek and his mother to remain under Secret Service protection for safety.
At the president’s estate, Wallace hires mercenaries, one with a past encounter with a Beekeeper. Clay breaches security as Jessica learns about Derek’s misuse of a CIA program during her campaign. Intent on exposing Derek, Jessica plans to confront Clay. Derek, driven by rage, kills Prigg and takes his mother hostage. Clay battles the mercenaries, ultimately confronting Derek in Jessica’s office. Verona pleads with Clay to spare Jessica, and as Derek moves to harm his mother, Clay intervenes, eliminating Derek. Clay escapes, with Verona choosing not to pursue him.
Clay flees using underwater gear hidden on the beach, leaving the aftermath of his quest for justice behind him.
Reasons to Watch It
Watch as intense action, gripping mystery, and dynamic characters collide in a thrilling narrative of justice, redemption, and political intrigue that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Intense Action Sequences – From high-stakes confrontations to adrenaline-pumping battles, the story is packed with intense and gruesome action that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Intriguing Characters – Explore the complex dynamics between characters like Clay, Eloise, Verona, and Derek as they navigate throught a web of deception, betrayal, and revenge, adding depth to the storyline.
Mystery and Suspense – Dive into the world of cybercrime, espionage, and covert operations as characters uncover hidden agendas, leading to unexpected twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end. Themes of Justice and Redemption – Follow Clay’s quest for justice for Eloise and his relentless pursuit of the truth, themes that resonate deeply as characters grapple with morality, loyalty, and the consequences of their actions.
Political Intrigue – Delve into the murky waters of political corruption and power struggles as the story unfolds against the backdrop of government agencies, corporate interests, and the highest levels of authority. Dynamic Relationships – Witness the evolution of relationships between characters, from alliances forged in the heat of battle to unlikely partnerships born out of necessity, adding emotional depth to the narrative.
Cinematic Visuals – Experience the story come to life with vivid descriptions and imagery, transporting you into the heart of each scene with cinematic flair. Thought-Provoking Themes – Reflect on timely themes such as cybersecurity, privacy, and the influence of technology in modern society, sparking conversations long after the credits roll.
Overall, this captivating tale promises an immersive viewing experience that combines pulse-pounding action, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes that will leave you eagerly anticipating each new twist and turn.
Reasons to Avoid It
HThis narrative, with its intense violence, dark themes, complex plot, and graphic content, may not be suitable for viewers seeking lighter or more straightforward entertainment.
Violence and Intensity – The story contains numerous violent confrontations, including killings and physical altercations, which may be unsettling or distressing for some viewers. Dark Themes – The narrative explores themes of suicide, cybercrime, corruption, and political intrigue, which may be emotionally taxing for viewers sensitive to such topics.
Complex Plot – The storyline involves multiple layers of deception, manipulation, and interwoven character relationships, which might be difficult to follow for viewers seeking a more straightforward or light-hearted narrative. Ethical Concerns – The portrayal of vigilante justice and characters resorting to extreme measures to achieve their goals may raise ethical questions or discomfort for some viewers.
Graphic Content – Some scenes depict graphic violence and intense action sequences, potentially unsuitable for viewers who prefer less explicit content. Lack of Resolution – The story leaves several loose ends and unresolved conflicts, which might leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied or frustrated with the conclusion.
Emotional Weight – The emotional toll of the characters’ struggles, losses, and ethical dilemmas throughout the narrative may be overwhelming for viewers seeking more lighthearted or escapist entertainment. Depiction of Mental Health – The portrayal of suicide and its aftermath, as well as characters grappling with grief and trauma, may be triggering or difficult for viewers dealing with similar issues.
Overall, individuals who prefer lighter, less intense, or more straightforward storytelling may find this narrative challenging or uncomfortable to engage with.
Critical Response
The film “The Beekeeper” garnered a varied reception from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, where 169 critics’ reviews were tallied, 71% expressed positive sentiments, accompanied by an average rating of 5.9 out of 10. The website’s consensus lauded the movie for its uncomplicated yet entertaining approach, characterizing it as nostalgically reminiscent of classic action-thrillers. Furthermore, it commended Jason Statham for his performance, suggesting that he continues to excel in delivering impactful action sequences.
Metacritic, employing a weighted average based on 37 critic reviews, awarded the film a score of 54 out of 100, signaling a reception categorized as “mixed or average” among reviewers.
In terms of audience feedback, CinemaScore conducted polls yielding an average grade of “B+” on their scale, reflecting general satisfaction among viewers. PostTrak’s audience surveys reported an overall positive score of 84%, with a notable 63% indicating they would unequivocally recommend the film to others.
A review published in The Guardian criticized “The Beekeeper” for its hurriedly paced non-shooting sequences and noted that actors Rashad and Driver were not given enough screen time to showcase their talents. The review characterized the film as a decent but unremarkable endeavor, offering moderate entertainment value with relatively low stakes, especially considering its release timing around the New Year.
On the other hand, RogerEbert.com’s Matt Zoller Seitz offered praise for several elements of the movie, particularly highlighting its diverse array of antagonists. However, Seitz expressed a sense of disappointment, lamenting that despite its potential, “The Beekeeper” ultimately failed to fully embrace its potential as a compellingly trashy masterpiece.
| Aspect | Reception |
|---|---|
| Rotten Tomatoes | 71% positive; average rating: 5.9/10 |
| Metacritic | Score: 54/100; categorized as “mixed or average” |
| CinemaScore | Average grade: “B+” |
| PostTrak | Overall positive score: 84% |
| The Guardian | Criticized rushed non-shooting scenes and underused actors; characterized as decent but unremarkable |
| RogerEbert.com | Praised diverse villains but expressed disappointment in not fully realizing potential as a “trashy masterpiece” |
Key Themes
The movie delves into themes of justice, betrayal, power, loss, moral ambiguity, technology, resilience, and redemption as characters navigate a web of deception and violence in their quest for retribution and closure.
Justice and Retribution – The quest for justice for Eloise Parker drives the narrative, with characters navigating ethical dilemmas and resorting to extreme measures to hold wrongdoers accountable. Betrayal and Deception – The story explores the pervasive nature of betrayal and deception, as characters grapple with hidden agendas, double-crosses, and the murky lines between truth and lies.
Power and Corruption – Themes of power and corruption permeate the narrative, highlighting the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their interests, manipulate others, and maintain control. Moral Ambiguity – Characters confront moral ambiguity as they navigate complex ethical dilemmas, blurring the lines between right and wrong in pursuit of their goals.
Loss and Grief – The devastating impact of loss and grief is central to the story, as characters cope with the aftermath of tragedy and seek closure in the face of overwhelming adversity. Redemption and Forgiveness – Amidst the chaos and violence, characters grapple with the possibility of redemption and forgiveness, seeking to reconcile their past actions and find peace amidst the turmoil.
Technology and Surveillance – The pervasive influence of technology and surveillance underscores the narrative, raising questions about privacy, security, and the ethical implications of advanced digital systems. Resilience and Survival – Characters demonstrate resilience and survival instincts as they confront formidable challenges, navigating treacherous terrain and overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles in their quest for justice and redemption.
In conclusion, the movie weaves a complex tapestry of justice, betrayal, power struggles, moral ambiguity, loss, redemption, technological influence, and resilience as characters grapple with their pasts and strive for closure amidst a backdrop of deception and violence.
Memorable Moments
One memorable moment in the movie occurs when Clay confronts Derek in Jessica’s office, intervening to save Jessica from Derek’s rage and ultimately eliminating him, before making a dramatic escape using underwater gear hidden on the beach.
Eloise’s Tragic Loss – The devastating moment when Eloise falls victim to the phishing scam and loses not only a substantial amount of money but also the funds for the charity she oversees, leading to her decision to take her own life. Clay’s Clearing – The tension-filled moment when Clay, initially suspected in Eloise’s death, is cleared of any wrongdoing after investigations confirm her death as a suicide, setting the stage for his quest for justice.
Confrontation with Garnett – The intense showdown between Clay and Garnett at the scammers’ call center, culminating in Garnett’s demise and the revelation of Clay’s affiliation with the Beekeepers. Infiltrating the Nine Star United Center – The high-stakes sequence where Clay overpowers both the FBI’s SWAT team and Wallace’s ex-special forces operatives to penetrate the Nine Star United Center, extracting crucial information about Danforth’s involvement.
Verona’s Revelation – The moment when Verona updates FBI Deputy Director Prigg on Danforth’s control over the companies and the significant risk Clay poses to Derek and even to Jessica, the US president, due to her involvement. Final Confrontation – The climactic showdown between Clay and Derek in Jessica’s office, where Clay intervenes to save Jessica from Derek’s rage, ultimately eliminating Derek and escaping as Verona chooses not to pursue him. Clay’s Escape – The dramatic conclusion as Clay flees using underwater gear hidden on the beach, leaving behind the aftermath of his quest for justice.
Streaming Platforms
In August 2022, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) secured the distribution rights for “The Beekeeper” in the United States, marking a significant step in bringing the film to American audiences. Subsequently, in February 2023, Sky Cinema obtained the rights to distribute the film in the United Kingdom, broadening its reach to international viewers.
On January 12, 2024, Amazon MGM Studios released the film in the United States, generating anticipation among eager audiences. Following its theatrical release, “The Beekeeper” expanded its accessibility by becoming available on Video On Demand (VOD) and various digital platforms on January 30, 2024, ensuring that audiences worldwide could experience the gripping narrative at their convenience.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 2022 | MGM acquires distribution rights for the United States for “The Beekeeper” |
| February 2023 | Sky Cinema secures distribution rights for the United Kingdom |
| January 12, 2024 | Amazon MGM Studios releases “The Beekeeper” in the United States |
| January 30, 2024 | “The Beekeeper” becomes available on Video On Demand (VOD) and digital platforms |
