Critic Reviews

• Rob Nelson, Variety

  Hypnotic slo-mo images of honeybees flapping their wings are about all that distinguishes the docu Vanishing of the Bees from a well-researched article on its subject.

• Derek Adams, Time Out

  There's little form to the structure, the editing is amateurish and the narration is puerile. It's a worthwhile subject - but the film is too poor to justify a release.

• Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

  A cogent documentary exploring the causes of the global disappearance of honeybees who play such a crucial role in our ecosystem.

• Mike McGranaghan, Aisle Seat

  Both frightening and inspiring.

• Brent Simon, Shockya.com

  Shines a light on a fascinating and important subject, but also suffers some from comparatively lax filmmaking, failing to provide the sort of detail which would more robustly engage the typical layperson viewer.

• Stuart McGurk, Sunday Times (UK)

  Well intentioned and urgent - but let down by hammy narration, a made-for-TV budget and a blatant plug for its co-sponsor, the Co-op.

• Philip French, Observer [UK]

  A serious, didactic, rather rambling documentary.

• Derek Malcolm, This is London

  After watching this, you'll probably end up worrying as much as they do.

• Anna Smith, Empire Magazine

  Fascinating subject expertly covered.

• Daniel Etherington, Film4

  Its US focus is disappointing considering the global issues, the sound mix is terrible in places, there's some iffy animation.

• Kevin Maher, Times [UK]

  Of course something has to change. But let's start with the eco-doc format.

• Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]

  Langworthy and Henein sketch out the way this crisis has entered Hollywood's consciousness, in the form of M Night Shyamalan's sci-fi clunker The Happening.

• Allan Hunter, Daily Express

  A worthwhile documentary.

• Jane Crowther, Total Film

  Well-intentioned but lacking filmic zip, it'd fly better on the box.

• Tom Cox, Daily Mail [UK]

  A real buzz killer - in the best possible way.

• Karen Krizanovich, Filmstar Magazine

  Despite its schoolroom tone, The Vanishing of the Bees sounds an alarm; it's essential we heed it.

• Matthew Turner, ViewLondon

  A disappointing film that unfortunately fails to do justice to its vitally important subject.

Read all 17 critic reviews