The Help

Year: 2011
Genre: Drama
Director: Tate Taylor

Plot: Racial discrimination is high in Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960s. Aspiring writer Eugenia 'Skeeter' Phelan attempts to write a book about the plight of colored maids in her town. Assisting her on her quest are two maids: the kind Aibileen Clark and the spunky Minny Jackson.


The gist: The Help is based on the bestselling novel by Kathryn Stockett. Under the direction of Tate Taylor, this film is an entertaining piece of work. It convincingly displays the discrimination between white folks and their colored help during the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

Taylor is wise enough to mix an equal balance of drama and humour, thereby making the film interesting enough to hold the audience's attention, though it is not without flaws. His biggest asset is the cast, made up of the finest actresses you can find for a film such as this.


What's good: Everyone in the cast is spot on. Viola Davis rightfully earned her Oscar nomination as Aibileen, easily gaining the audience's sympathy with her performance as a maid with a tragic past. Octavia Spencer wins an Oscar for playing Minny Jackson, whose character isn't as nice as Aibileen, but has the same heart of gold and an attitude we all can relate to. Worthy mentions also go to Bryce Dallas Howard as the antagonist Hilly Holbrook, Jessica Chastain as the eccentric Celia Foote and a minor role by Cicely Tyson as Skeeter's former maid Constantine. Emma Stone is also solid as Skeeter Phelan, though she is outshone by Davis and Spencer.

What's bad: The film could use some editing, particularly the subplot about Skeeter's relationship with her boyfriend Stuart, which wasn't necessary to include here. The other thing is Stone's portrayal of Skeeter, which although was solid, comes off as being a tad too modern.


Verdict: The Help is a solid drama which everyone can enjoy, and truly worthy of all the attention it received at the Oscars. Recommended. (3.5/5)