"The Secret Life of Bees," based on the novel by Sue Monk Kidd, explores themes of love, loss, and the search for maternal figures. Set in the racially charged South during the 1960s, the story follows a young girl named Lily Owens, who escapes her troubled life to find the truth about her deceased mother. The "secret life" refers to the hidden complexities of relationships, the importance of community, and the strength found in female bonds, symbolized by the bees and their hive. The narrative highlights resilience and the quest for identity and belonging.

In "The Secret Life of Bees," the character May Boatwright exhibits symptoms of what could be interpreted as a mental illness, specifically depression and possibly a form of emotional trauma or a reactive condition known as "the May Complex." She struggles with overwhelming feelings of sadness and loss, stemming from her traumatic past. Her mental health challenges are depicted through her emotional responses and her coping mechanism of writing messages on "wailing wall" to express her pain. This portrayal highlights themes of trauma, grief, and the impact of mental health on relationships.

"The Secret Life of Bees" is a drama film based on the novel by Sue Monk Kidd. Set in 1964 South Carolina, it follows a young girl named Lily Owens, who is grieving her mother's death and seeking answers about her past. After a violent incident with her father, she escapes with her caregiver, Rosaleen, to a town where they find refuge with the Boatwright sisters, who are beekeepers. Through the world of bees and the sisters' wisdom, Lily discovers themes of love, forgiveness, and the strength of female bonds, ultimately finding her own identity.

As of October 2023, "The Secret Life of Bees" is available for streaming on platforms like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. You can also rent or purchase the movie on services such as Google Play, iTunes, and Vudu. Availability may vary by region, so it's a good idea to check your preferred streaming service for the most current options.