20,000 Species of Bees (2023): A Poignant Tale of Identity & Growth

Welcome to Mindset Movie Reviews. Let's review 20,000 species of bees from 2023.

20,000 species of bees is a poignant and beautifully crafted drama that marks the debut of

Spanish filmmaker Esteballas Urasola Solar Guren. The film takes us on a journey through the eyes

of an eight-year-old child, Coco, played by the remarkable Sophia Otero.

Set against the backdrop of a bask village, the story unfolds during a summer visit to Coco's

grandmother's house, a place deeply connected to beekeeping. This setting serves as a metaphor

for the film's exploration of identity and diversity. At its core, the film is a sensitive

portrayal of a young transgender girl, Coco, who is navigating the complexities of her identity.

The narrative is inspired by a real-life tragedy, adding a layer of authenticity and urgency

to the story. Coco's journey is not just about self-discovery, but also about the reactions

and adjustments of her family members, each of whom has their own struggles and perspectives.

The film's strength lies in its naturalistic approach, capturing the human side of the

transgender experience without resorting to melodrama or didacticism. Solar Guren's direction

is both gentle and firm, allowing the story to unfold at a pace that reflects the real-life

complexities of such situations. The film's title, 20,000 Species of Bees, suggests a celebration

of diversity and the natural acceptance of differences. A theme that resonates throughout the narrative,

Coco's mother Arne, played by Patricia Lopez Arnees, is portrayed as a loving but conflicted

figure. She is supportive of Coco's choices, yet struggles with her own personal and professional

challenges. The film also delves into the dynamics of three generations of women in the family,

each with their own views and influences on Coco's journey. Arne's mother, Lita,

played by Itzia Luzcano, represents a more traditional outlook, while Coco's great aunt,

lords, played by Anna Gabarene, offers a more open-minded perspective. The film's cinematography

by Gina Ferra Garcia captures the beauty of the Basque landscape and the intimate moments of

the character's lives. The use of natural light and delicate framing enhances the film's realism

and emotional depth. The performances, particularly by Otero, are outstanding, bringing authenticity

and empathy to the story. While the film does explore subplots involving Anna's career and family

tensions, these elements serve to enrich the narrative, providing context and depth to the

character's motivations and struggles. However, the heart of the film remains Coco's journey,

which is portrayed with sensitivity and insight. Twenty thousand species of bees is a film that

challenges misconceptions about transgender children by presenting their experiences with honesty

and compassion. It is a story about acceptance, understanding and the importance of listening to

and respecting each individual's identity. The film's message is clear diversity is natural

and should be embraced, much like the bees that inhabit the hills of the Basque village.

This debut feature by Solagarin is a testament to the power of cinema to reflect and influence

societal attitudes, making it a must-watch for those seeking a deeper understanding of the human

experience. And that's my take on twenty thousand species of bees and I'm giving it four stars

out of five stars. Thanks for listening. If you've liked this review, please like, subscribe,

and I hope to see you all next time.