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Planning a New Adaptation of “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd Essay

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Basic Plot Outline

In the fictional state of South Carolina featured in “The Secret Life of Bees,” a little girl called Lily Owens, who is white, lives with her abusive father, T. Ray. In the scene that takes place in 1964, Saoirse Ronan plays the part of Lily Owens. Jeff Bridges is the lead actor in this project, while Alex Ross Perry is the director of photography (Bythewood,2008). When Lily was a little kid, her mother left the family. She found comfort in the care and devotion her African-American nanny, Rosaleen, portrayed by Viola Davis, gave her.

When Lily’s mother left the family, Lily found comfort in the care and devotion that Rosaleen showed her. After Lily, locked up for trying to register Rosaleen to vote, liberated Rosaleen, she and Lily went to Tiburon to see Rosaleen’s family. They are welcomed by three African sisters who run a honey business together in that location. Lily understands the reality of her mother’s life before she was born and the significance of the company of other women and beekeeping.

Casting Notes

Gina Prince-Bythewood directed the film, while Sue Monk Kidd penned the novel. The work examines various topics, including maternal affection, prejudice, spirituality, and personal growth. Due to the protracted production process and the frequent setting changes, however, not all issues were explored in the film. Jennifer Hudson portrays Rosaleen, Alicia Keys portrays June Boatwright, Sophia Okonedo portrays May Boatwright, and Paul Bettany portrays Paul. (T-Ray Owens). Will Smith, Joe Pichirallo, James Lassiter, and Lauren Shuler Donner served as producers for the movie The Secret Life of Bees.

Saoirse Ronan portrays Lily Owens, who appears in the film. Ronan is a gifted young actor with the necessary empathy and leadership qualities for the role of Lily. Viola Davis, a gifted actress who provides substance and dimension to every role she plays, portrays Rosaleen. Davis is widely recognized for her contribution to the entertainment industry. The actress Viola Davis shows Rosaleen. She would be a perfect match for the role of Rosaleen, as she has previously portrayed a similar character in “The Help.”

Three actresses, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, and Uzo Aduba, play the Boatwright sisters. Each possesses a high level of talent and many acting experiences, including roles in which they portray nuanced and powerful women. If they were given additional responsibilities, August, June, and May Boatwright’s positions would become considerably more complex and finer.

Saoirse Ronan as Lily Owens
Figure 1. Saoirse Ronan as Lily Owens

Saoirse Ronan, an Irish actress with remarkable talent and versatility, is renowned for her mesmerizing performances in various films. She is an exceptional candidate for the role of Lily Owens in “The Secret Life of Bees” due to the scope and complexity of her acting skills. Ronan was nominated for an Academy Award at age 13 for her performance in the film “Atonement,” for which she received praise. Since then, she has received praise for her roles in several popular films, including “The Lovely Bones,” “Brooklyn,“Lady Bird, and “Little Women.”

Ronan will portray Lily Owens in “The Secret Life of Bees, a multifaceted protagonist who struggles with bereavement, prejudice, and her sense of identity. Ronan’s natural ability to convey emotion and profundity will be essential to his portrayal of Lily. Due to Ronan’s Irish upbringing, Lily can contribute her experiences growing up in a foreign culture to the character’s voyage, giving the role a fresh perspective. Overall, Saoirse Ronan is an excellent candidate for the role of Lily Owens in “The Secret Life of Bees due to her impressive work and innate talent.

Costuming Notes

Without a doubt, the pink dress that Lily is wearing when she first meets the Boatwright sisters will go down in history as the most memorable piece of clothing that she has ever owned. The fact that Lily now dresses like a young lady symbolizes the fact that she is maturing from a young girl into a young woman, and the color pink symbolizes both her newly found femininity and her growing sensitivity. The dress will have a plain A-line form with a pleated hem and will be manufactured from a cotton fabric that allows air to circulate while worn.

The fashion scene of the 1960s will have some effect on the outfits worn by the Boatwright sisters, but these looks will be modernized to reflect the current shift. Their uncommon state of life will be displayed in their clothes vivid colors and unique designs, which will likewise help portray their unique personalities. Fitted suits in authentic colors will display the month of June, whereas August will be represented by free-flowing dresses with a bohemian-inspired aesthetic. May will dress in bright, whimsical clothes printed with flowery motifs.

Lily and Queen Latifah
Figure 2: Lily and Queen Latifah

In “The Secret Life of Bees, Queen Latifah plays August Boatwright, a caring and knowledgeable person who guides Lily throughout the story. Her personality is complex, and she has a strong connection to the natural world. The clothing that Queen Latifah wears in the movie represents these aspects. It has earthy tones and various textures, highlighting her character’s connection with the natural world.

Queen Latifah is an American actress, musician, and producer who has made a name for herself in various fields. She has received critical acclaim for her performances in films such as “Chicago,“Bringing Down the House, and “Beauty Shop, and has also been recognized for her work as a musician and producer. In “The Secret Life of Bees, Queen Latifah’s warmth and authenticity make her an ideal choice for the role of August Boatwright (“Queen Latifah, 2023). Her ability to embody the character’s strength and nurturing nature is reflected in her wardrobe, which is both practical and elegant. Overall, Queen Latifah’s multifaceted talent and connection to the character of August Boatwright make her a perfect fit for the role.

Music Notes

The soundtrack for “The Secret Life of Bees contributes significantly to the increased visceral connection that audience members have with the film. Jonny Greenwood, capable of writing eerily beautiful music that accurately encapsulates the spirit of any particular circumstance, will compose the soundtrack’s score. Therefore, it can assist in transporting the audience further into the story, connecting them more thoroughly to the characters and ideas, and winning their attention so that they can become glued to the film until it ends.

When Lily and Rosaleen are in danger or feeling extreme emotions, music with a powerful emotional effect will likely be played. It is because music with a powerful emotional impact is often used in dramatic scenes and acting, and is helpful because it portrays emotions. For instance, while Lily and Rosaleen seek to escape from T. Ray, the music will be tight and frenzied to provoke the audience’s anxiety and hopelessness. When Lily is experiencing the times when she is learning about her mother’s history, there will be music playing in the background that is both introspective and mournful, helping to capture the audience’s attention. As a direct result of this, Lily’s feelings of bereavement and yearning will be brought to the surface.

Proposed Movie Poster

On the movie poster for “The Concealed Lives of Bees,Lily’s face will be represented in an extreme close-up, and a colony of bees will be depicted around her simultaneously. At the top of the poster, in giant, strong letters, the film’s title will be shown, followed by a list of the male and female actors and actresses who will be included in the film (Bythewood & Kidd, 2008). The phrase “Reveal the power of female friendship and the secret lives of bees will serve as the tagline for this movie. The general design approach of the poster will be dreamy and ethereal, reflecting the spirit of the film’s themes of regeneration and transition in the process.

Proposed Poster for The Secret Life of Bees
Figure 3: Proposed Poster for The Secret Life of Bees

References

Bauer, P. (2022). [Photograph]. Encyclopedia Britannica. Web.

Bythewood, G. P., & Kidd, S. M. (2008). [Video]. Web.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2023). [Photograph]. Encyclopedia Britannica. Web.

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IvyPanda. (2025, July 12). Planning a New Adaptation of “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd. https://ivypanda.com/essays/planning-a-new-adaptation-of-the-secret-life-of-bees-by-sue-monk-kidd/

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"Planning a New Adaptation of “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd." IvyPanda, 12 July 2025, ivypanda.com/essays/planning-a-new-adaptation-of-the-secret-life-of-bees-by-sue-monk-kidd/.

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IvyPanda. (2025) 'Planning a New Adaptation of “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd'. 12 July.

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IvyPanda. 2025. "Planning a New Adaptation of “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd." July 12, 2025. https://ivypanda.com/essays/planning-a-new-adaptation-of-the-secret-life-of-bees-by-sue-monk-kidd/.

1. IvyPanda. "Planning a New Adaptation of “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd." July 12, 2025. https://ivypanda.com/essays/planning-a-new-adaptation-of-the-secret-life-of-bees-by-sue-monk-kidd/.


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IvyPanda. "Planning a New Adaptation of “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd." July 12, 2025. https://ivypanda.com/essays/planning-a-new-adaptation-of-the-secret-life-of-bees-by-sue-monk-kidd/.

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