Queen Bees — A Second Chance at Friendship and Love

Queen Bees — A Second Chance at Friendship and Love

When we think of drama and popularity contests, we usually imagine high school corridors filled with whispering teens. But what if I told you one of the funniest and most heartfelt stories about popularity takes place inside a retirement home?

Queen Bees, a 2021 comedy-drama film, flips the script on aging and friendship. It follows Helen Wilston, a fiercely independent woman who finds herself living temporarily in Pine Grove Senior Community after her house catches fire. Played by the legendary Ellen Burstyn, Helen has no intention of settling into this new environment. But life, as always, has surprises in store.

From the moment she arrives, Helen notices that cliques aren’t just a teenage thing. The community has its own “queen bees”—a group of stylish, sharp-tongued women who rule the social circle. Jane Curtin plays Janet, the no-nonsense leader. Loretta Devine shines as Sally, the warm yet sarcastic soul. Ann-Margret is Margot, full of glamour and sass. These women bring attitude, elegance, and a fierce sense of loyalty to the table.

Helen isn’t one to back down. She engages in a subtle social competition, trading witty comebacks and icy stares. But beneath the surface, something beautiful begins to bloom. As Helen gets to know the other women, she sees their vulnerabilities, their dreams, and the deep loneliness that often comes with age. The queen bees open their arms, and a sisterhood forms that none of them expected.

Ellen Burstyn’s portrayal of Helen is nothing short of magical. Known for her powerful role in The Exorcist, she brings that same emotional depth here—but with added warmth and humor. The script, written specifically with her in mind, allows her to showcase a woman who is strong, wounded, hopeful, and hilariously honest. Watching Helen evolve from guarded to open-hearted is a journey that speaks to anyone who's ever been afraid of starting over.

And then there's Dan Simpson—played by the late James Caan in his final role. Known for his tough-guy image in classics like The Godfather, Caan surprises everyone with his tenderness. Dan is charming, respectful, and genuinely sweet. His budding romance with Helen is one of the film’s strongest highlights. They talk, they laugh, they dance. It’s the kind of love story that reminds us: it’s never too late to fall in love again.

The romantic subplot feels real and never forced. Watching Helen and Dan share moments together—some awkward, some joyful—makes you root for them. Their chemistry is soft and believable, like two people who’ve loved and lost, but are ready to try again.

Adding to the mix is the wonderful Christopher Lloyd, who plays a cheerful resident hiding a heavy emotional burden. Known for his zany roles like Doc in Back to the Future, Lloyd delivers a surprisingly heartfelt performance. His character reminds us how fragile memory can be, and how even the brightest smiles can hide deep pain.

What makes Queen Bees even more special is the fact that it's inspired by a true story. Producer Harrison Powell was moved by his own relative’s experience—falling in love in a retirement home. He saw the humor and the heart in that journey and shared it with Astute Films. Screenwriter Donald Martin instantly connected with the idea, blending comedy and emotion in a way that feels honest.

Michael Lembeck, who directed 25 episodes of the iconic sitcom Friends, took the director’s chair for Queen Bees. His experience with character-driven humor made him the perfect choice. Lembeck worked closely with each cast member to build backstories, resulting in characters that feel lived-in and authentic.

Filming took place in Parc at Duluth, a real senior living community in Atlanta, Georgia. That choice adds a layer of realism to the story. The warm lighting, soft furnishings, and homey decor make you feel like you’re right there with them, playing bridge and sipping tea.

The film was actually shot in 2018, just before the world changed with the COVID-19 pandemic. It feels like a time capsule now—a look into the lives of people who faced isolation but found joy through community.

Behind the scenes, the cast reportedly had a blast. There was laughter, deep conversations, and even off-camera friendships. You can see that comfort and trust reflected in their performances. These aren’t just actors playing old people—they are the people we all know and love: our grandmothers, uncles, neighbors, and mentors.

Queen Bees is more than just a film—it’s a reminder. A reminder that life doesn’t stop when you turn 70 or 80. There are still friendships to be made, love to be found, and dances to be had. It’s also a gentle nudge to younger generations: listen to your elders. Their stories, their experiences, their laughter—they’re full of wisdom and wonder.

I watched this film with my own grandmother. We laughed, we cried, and we even talked afterward about her friends from her retirement group. That’s the power of this story—it opens the door to conversations across generations.

So the next time you’re scrolling through movies and see Queen Bees, don’t skip it. Give it a watch. Share it with your parents, your grandparents, or even your friends. Because if there’s one thing Helen and her queen bees taught us, it’s that age is just a number—and every moment counts.