The Plot: A Hilarious Journey into Retirement
Imagine Mean Girls with pensioners, and you're pretty much there. Queen Bees follows the story of fiercely independent senior Helen, played by Ellen Burstyn, who temporarily moves into a nearby retirement community while her house undergoes repairs. What she encounters behind the doors of Pine Grove Senior Community is a mix of lusty widows, cutthroat bridge tournaments, and a hotbed of bullying 'mean girls' reminiscent of high school. However, amidst flower arranging and water aerobics, Helen discovers that it's never too late to make new friends and perhaps even find new love.
Ellen Burstyn in the Queen Bees cast
Meet the Cast
Ellen Burstyn stars as Helen Wilson, a widow who's forced into a retirement home by her daughter. Burstyn, an Oscar-winner, is best known for her performances in The Exorcist, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, and Requiem for a Dream. James Caan portrays Dan Simpson, another new resident at Pine Grove, who strikes up a relationship with Helen. Caan, a legendary actor, is known for his roles in The Godfather, Thief, Misery, Brian's Song, and Elf. Loretta Devine plays Sally Hanson, one of the so-called Queen Bees who initially stands offish to Helen, but Bridge brings them closer together. Devine has also starred in Grey's Anatomy, Boston Public, Crash, What Women Want, and Waiting to Exhale. Jane Curtin portrays Janet Poindexter, the intimidating leader of the Queen Bees in the retirement home. Curtin rose to fame on Saturday Night Live before starring in Kate & Allie, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and Unforgettable. Ann-Margret takes on the role of Margot Clark, the third member of the Queen Bees. A hugely acclaimed actress, Ann-Margret has won five Golden Globes and earned two Oscar nominations for her roles in Carnal Knowledge, Tommy, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and The Kominsky Method. Christopher Lloyd plays Arthur Lane, a prominent figure in the Pine Grove community. Lloyd is an icon, having starred in the Back to the Future trilogy, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Taxi, and Nobody. Elizabeth Mitchell portrays Laura Wilson Crane, Helen's daughter, and has also starred in Lost, ER, The Expanse, The Outer Banks, and The Purge: Election Year. Matthew Barnes takes on the role of Peter Crane, Helen's grandson, and has appeared in Atlanta, Strange Angel, Little Fires Everywhere, and Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. Alec Mapa plays Lito Santos, Pine Grove's masseur, and has earlier appeared in You Don't Mess with the Zohan, Ugly Betty, and Desperate Housewives. French Stewart portrays Ken DeNardo, the manager of Pine Groves, and is known for his roles in 3rd Rock from the Sun, Clockstoppers, Inspector Gadget 2, and The Middle. Ricky Russert plays Pablo Leon, the water aerobics instructor at Pine Grove, and has starred in I, Tonya, The Ravine, The Walking Dead, and Mr. Mercedes.
The Stellar Performances
The cast of Queen Bees delivers stellar performances, bringing their characters to life with humor, warmth, and authenticity. Ellen Burstyn's portrayal of Helen Wilson captures the essence of a fiercely independent senior facing the challenges of a new environment, while James Caan's performance as Dan Simpson adds a charming and heartwarming touch to the story. Loretta Devine's portrayal of Sally Hanson and Jane Curtin's role as Janet Poindexter bring depth and humor to the dynamic of the Queen Bees. Ann-Margret's performance as Margot Clark exudes charisma and elegance, and Christopher Lloyd's portrayal of Arthur Lane adds a touch of wisdom and wit to the film. Elizabeth Mitchell's portrayal of Laura Wilson Crane and Matthew Barnes' role as Peter Crane bring a sense of family and connection to the story. Alec Mapa's portrayal of Lito Santos and French Stewart's role as Ken DeNardo add humor and lightheartedness to the Pine Grove community, while Ricky Russert's performance as Pablo Leon brings energy and vitality to the film.