Story

Maya the Bee (voiced by Coco Jack Gillies) is an adventurous and fun-loving little bee who doesn’t want to follow the rules of her hive. When Maya is banished from the hive, she and her best friend Willy (Kodi Smit-McPhee) must survive outside in the meadow. With help from a friendly grasshopper named Flip (Richard Roxburgh), Maya and Willy learn that other bugs are friendly and not scary at all.

Back at the hive, the queen bee’s (Miriam Margolyes) royal jelly is stolen. The hive blames the hornets, who are the bees’ worst enemies. Maya and her new friends must save the queen and prevent the bees and the hornets from having a nasty battle.

Themes

Death of the queen bee; separation from a parent; soldiers and battles; crime

Violence

Maya the Bee has some violence. For example:

  • The bees and hornets both have soldiers who try to fight each other. The bees have sharp leaves, which they use as spears, and the hornets fire spit balls at the bees.
  • Hornets yell and push each other.
  • A hornet threatens Maya with his stinger.
  • Bats and frogs try to attack and eat Willy and Maya.

Sexual references

None of concern

Alcohol, drugs and other substances

None of concern

Nudity and sexual activity

None of concern

Product placement

None of concern

Coarse language

There is some very mild coarse language in Maya the Bee.

Ideas to discuss with your children

Based on the television series, Maya the Bee is an enjoyable movie about learning to be yourself, standing up for your friends and accepting others for who they are.

The movie is ideal for children aged 5-10 years. Although there are some witty puns that might make adults laugh, older children will probably find this movie a little boring. There are some scary scenes, so parental guidance is recommended for children aged under six years.

This movie could give you the chance to talk with your children about:

  • the importance of not treating people badly, even if they’re different
  • the real-life consequences of not following the rules.

Supported By

Raising Children Network is supported by the Australian Government. Member organisations are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health.

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