The Help [M]

Skeeter is an aspiring journalist living in Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Upon discovering that the maid who raised her has left working for her parents, she decides to interview maids and write a book detailing the African-American Help’s point of view on the white families they work for, the white children they raise, and the hardships that they suffer on a daily basis. The project is fraught with danger and highly risky to be sure, but even in the face of danger, two maids deign to be interviewed and the three strike up an unlikely friendship. 

Based on the bestseller by Kathryn Stockett, The Help is a wonderfully moving and balanced drama that I thoroughly enjoyed. I laughed, I cried, I exclaimed profanities where necessary, and I marvelled at how much time has elapsed since the Civil Rights Movement and still we see segregation and racism in many societies. 

Skeeter is an aspiring journalist living in Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Upon discovering that the maid who raised her has left working for her parents, she decides to interview maids and white a book detailing the African-American Help’s point of view on the white families they work for, the white children they raise, and the hardships that they suffer on a daily basis. The project is fraught with danger and highly risky to be sure, but even in the face of danger two maids deign to tell their stories and the three strike up an unlikely friendship. 

On the surface, this is a story about segregation, racism, and a look at the heated Civil Rights movement of the 60s. So, set against history and true events, this tale already has its audience onside. But, underneath the inequality and racism, there is a beautiful and strong story about courage and the power of a voice. This, right here, is a wonderfully truthful and genuinely adequate look at humans and society and how people just want to be part of a group, therefore they will not stand up for what they believe, unless someone else does first (or are finally forced to). Every character in this movie begins oppressed or without a voice, and through the journeys and stories of these three women, they learn to find their voices and speak, overcome oppression and put truths out there. It’s really, really beautiful. 

Starring Emma Stone, who was brilliant and it was great to see her doing a serious role in a drama, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer, Jessica Chastain, Cicely Tyson, Chris Lowell, and Allison Janney, The Help was a beautiful drama that was both emotionally powerful and dramatic, but still harboured lovely moments of light-hearted banter and comedy. 

Filled with drama, segregation, racism, love, comedy, and friendship, it’s a beautiful, beautiful film and I really would recommend it; it’ll make you laugh, it’ll make you cry, and it may even open your eyes.