Movie Review: The Help

Everyone’s talking…

…about this movie! It’s an adaptation of the best-seller of the same name by Kathryn Stockett.

The Help revolves around the issue of race during the early 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi, where “the help” (African American women) spend their lives as maids. They raise white children in conditions we can’t even imagine today (there are memorable scenes about the maids not being allowed to use the toilets inside because they supposedly carry “different diseases” than white folks).

When Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan (Emma Stone, Easy A) arrives home after graduating University, she finds that her beloved maid, the woman who really raised her, has vanished and no one will talk about it.

She tries to move past it, landing a job at the local newspaper writing a housekeeping advice column. When she seeks out one of her married-with-children friends for the help of her knowledgeable maid, Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis, Eat Pray Love), she starts becoming more and more aware of what she really wants to investigate, write about and eventually change: the treatment of these women.

But her literary pursuits come with a high cost–not only for herself, but for any maid who dares to tell her story.

Also starring Bryce Dallas Howard (Spider-Man 3, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse) as the snooty, totally hateable town ringleader, Hilly Holbrook and Octavia Spencer (Ugly Betty) as the hilarious and spunky best friend of Aibileen, Minny Jackson.

This film is a must-see. I think I should say that again, just for emphasis. THIS FILM IS A MUST-SEE. In spite of sitting beside a gentleman in the theatre with serious phlegm issues, I couldn’t help but get drawn into this world of deep south ’60s that seems to far removed from our times. I have never laughed, then sobbed, then laughed again, so much during one film. Emma Stone, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer bring their characters to life so vibrantly, shining as true heroines of that era.

Here’s the run down:

Drama: Definitely. Picture going in to battle against the ultimate mean girl, who has control over the entire town, with racist beliefs that are upheld by the whole state and beyond.

Romance: While romance takes second-string to the drama and humour in the film, there are definitely some genuine sparks in unexpected places (look for Mike Vogel–Bridget’s crush Eric in The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants–to appearance with one of maybe two only truly good guys).

Humour: OMG. The whole theatre was in hysterics for so many hilarious scenes. From feisty/senile mothers who like their drink, to maids who know how to show the boss who’s boss, this movie will have you laughing til you cry.