Buzzing with Action (or Lack Thereof?): A Look at David Ayer’s “The Beekeeper”

Release date: 12 January 2024 (USA)
Genre: Action/Thriller
Director: David Ayer
Cinematographer: Gabriel Beristain
Budget: $40 million USD
Box office: $152.6 million USD (as of 17 March 2024)

David Ayer’s latest action flick, “The Beekeeper,” has been generating a lot of buzz (pun intended) since its release in January of 2024. While some critics have praised the film’s pure, unadulterated action sequences and Jason Statham’s steely performance, others have found the plot derivative and the characters underdeveloped. So, what’s the verdict? Let’s take a deep dive into the hive of “The Beekeeper.”

A Sting Operation Gone Wrong

The story revolves around Adam Clay (Statham), a seemingly ordinary beekeeper with a mysterious past. When a ruthless corporation, Lytton Agrotech, threatens the livelihood of his beekeeping mentor, Eloise (Phylicia Rashad), Adam unleashes a brutal campaign of vengeance. This sets him on a collision course with his former employers, a clandestine organisation known only as “The Beekeepers.”

While the revenge plot is a familiar trope in action movies, Ayer injects some intrigue by hinting at a larger conspiracy involving Lytton Agrotech’s environmentally destructive practices and the potential collapse of bee colonies worldwide. However, this subplot never fully develops, leaving viewers wanting more. We see glimpses of news reports hinting at the decline of bee populations, but the film doesn’t delve deeper into the science or the potential global impact. This missed opportunity could have added a layer of social commentary and made the stakes feel even higher.

Behind the Scenes

“The Beekeeper” is a return to form for Ayer, who carved his niche with action-heavy films like “Fury” and “Suicide Squad.” Shot in a gritty, realistic style, the film boasts some impressive practical effects, particularly in the hand-to-hand combat scenes. Reportedly filmed on a relatively tight budget of $40 million, Ayer manages to create a sense of scope and scale, especially during the large-scale warehouse shootout in the third act. This is a testament to the skilled work of cinematographer Gabriel Beristain, who keeps the action sequences visually engaging. Ayer utilises a handheld camera technique during these fight scenes, putting the audience right in the thick of the action with Adam.

Suited Up and Ready to Rumble

Jason Statham, as always, delivers a stoic and grizzled performance that fans of his action hero persona will find familiar. Statham does manage to add a touch of vulnerability to Adam, particularly in his scenes with Rashad, who brings warmth and strength to her role as Eloise. Their scenes together provide a welcome respite from the relentless action and offer a glimpse into Adam’s motivations.

The supporting cast, however, feels a bit underutilised. Jeremy Irons, as the head of the Beekeeper organisation, is wasted in a one-dimensional villain role. His character, Darius Blackwood, lacks depth and motivation, existing solely to be the ultimate obstacle for Adam to overcome. The FBI subplot featuring Verona Parker (Emmy Raver-Lampman) and Matt Wiley (Bobby Naderi) feels even more tacked on and unnecessary. Their investigation into Adam’s past is underdeveloped and ultimately doesn’t contribute much to the main plot.

Box Office Bonanza (or Bust)

“The Beekeeper” opened strong at the box office, capitalising on Statham’s star power and Ayer’s reputation for delivering action-packed thrillers. The film debuted at number one, grossing an impressive $32 million USD in its opening weekend. However, the positive buzz surrounding the film quickly faded as mixed reviews came in. While it ultimately turned a profit, grossing over $120 million USD worldwide, “The Beekeeper” fell short of the blockbuster status some were predicting.

Final Verdict

“The Beekeeper” is a decent popcorn flick, perfect for a night when you just want to see some explosions and Jason Statham beat up bad guys. The action sequences are well-choreographed and brutal, showcasing Statham’s physical prowess. However, the film’s lack of originality and underdeveloped characters prevent it from being anything more than a forgettable action movie. If you’re a die-hard Statham fan, you’ll probably enjoy it. But for those seeking a more layered and thought-provoking action experience, you might want to look elsewhere.

The film had the potential to be more than just a straight-up action flick. The environmental themes and the intriguing backstory of the Beekeepers offered opportunities for a deeper exploration. Ultimately, “The Beekeeper” stings with wasted potential, leaving the audience wanting a more satisfying cinematic honey.