This observational documentary tells the tale of a Macedonian beekeeper whose isolated way of life comes under threat from a chaotic family who moves in next door. 'Honeyland (2019)' doesn't feel like a documentary at all; there are no interviews, no narrative interludes and no references to anything behind the camera. It's basically a traditional narrative, except it isn't running off a script of any kind. It's real life, captured and edited to form a surprisingly cohesive story. That story may seem slight, but it's incredibly impactful for its characters; it represents a distinct phase in all of their lives. The film is typically quiet and contemplative, though some of its characters cause quite a bit of noise. It has a slack pacing that suits its story well. That does make for a typically slow experience, but that's not necessarily an issue. The piece feels as though it's exactly what it needs to be; it's enjoyable in its own specific sort of way. I can't say that it's overly compelling or, even, especially exciting, but I can say that it's an interesting and engaging experiment that genuinely blurs the line between documentary and fictional film in a way I've never seen before. 7/10.
Review of Honeyland
