“The Help”, based on the book by Kathryn Stockett, was by far one of the standout films of 2011. While it wasn’t the best reviewed film of 2011, it was definitely one of the most poignant.
The story takes place in 1960’s Mississippi during the Civil Rights Era. Skeeter Phelan, played by Emma Stone, returns from college to spend time with her ailing mother, played by the always reliable Alison Janney and the rest of her affluent family. She is also the odd woman out when it comes to her small circle of girlfriends, who have all married.
Skeeter lands a job at the local newspaper, where she is forced to write a homemaking column. It becomes increasingly obvious that this is not the writing gig for her and she decides to write a book about the black maids and nannies who were largely responsible for taking care of the debutantes children, including herself. While this sounds like a great idea on the surface, it’s not such a great proposition for the maids, who are afraid to tell their stories to Skeeter, until she agrees to keep their names anonymous.
The first maid to come on board is Abileen (played by a very affecting Viola Davis), followed by Minny Jackson (played by Oscar winner Octavia Spencer). Abileen has had a rough go of it, having lost her son, and is trying to do her best to raise her boss’s daughter. Minny is employed by the town bigot and his wife Hilly Holbrook (played by Bryce Dallas Howard); she’s also been physically abused by her husband. Finally, in a highly comical scene, Minny offers a peace offering to her nasty in the form of a pie, the likes of which sends Hilly into orbit as her mother (played by Oscar winner Sissy Spacek) bursts into gales of laughter.
Before long, Skeeter’s book comes out, raising eyebrows and the blood pressure of everyone in town, and ultimately the fallout challenges Skeeter and the maids to make some life changing decisions.
“The Help” is a timeless movie that provides a touching, heartfelt tribute to the maids, and is definitely worth another viewing.