Movie Review: The Help

Written by Elka Schaimberg
Monday, 19 December 2011 09:37

Based on a much-talked-about and bestselling novel of the same name, this movie is set in 1960s Mississippi and tells the story of an aspiring young white writer, Skeeter Phelan (Emma Stone), who convinces two black maids, Aibileen (Viola Davis) and Minny (Octavia Spencer), to work secretly with her on a book to kick-start her writing career.

Skeeter conducts a series of probing, in-depth interviews with the women who cook, clean and raise the babies of the wealthy families in the neighbourhood. After so many years of biting their tongues, Aibileen and her rebellious friend Minny grow excited by the opportunity of finally expressing themselves, as Skeeter encourages them to tell their life stories and unveil their secrets.

The interviews begin with Aibileen (Viola Davis), who has raised 17 white children over the years in the households of her various employers. As the women work together on the book they build an alliance from which a remarkable sisterhood emerges. The wealthy locals now view them as a direct challenge to their comfortably established social order, resulting in some interesting confrontations.

Powerful performances by all the leading ladies make this an emotionally charged, brilliantly told film about the courage it takes to transcend the lines that define you.

Director: Tate Taylor
Starring: Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer