The Help tells a story deeply rooted in the history of our country, set in the civil-rights era of Mississippi. It is told in the perspective of the black maids who play a large role in the societal and domestic affairs of Mississippi.
The main character, named Aibileen, comes from a family of maids and house slaves and works for the wealthy white families of Mississippi. Though not in her job description, she raises the white children in the families as her own. In the movie, she raises a round-faced Mae Mobley, who calls out “Aibee! Aibee!” every morning, reaching out for a hug. In contrast, Mae Mobley’s mother, Elizabeth, who Aibileen addresses as Mrs. Leefolt, scarcely holds her child. She is more concerned with making an impression on the other high-class women in town, who gather at her house to play cards and gossip.
The movie features a variety of actors who play opposing characters. One of the antagonists, Hilly Holbrook, proposes a separate bathroom for the maids outside of the house, claiming she is protecting the well-being of the town. She is played by Bryce Dallas Howard, who portrays the character so well you can feel the hatred festering inside of you. Two protagonists, Skeeter (Emma Stone) and Minny (Octavia Spencer), are the types of characters that make you smile with teary eyes. Emma Stone displays her acting chops as a defiant character with quick-witted remarks. Viola Davis delivers Aibileen perfectly, as a motherly, compassionate woman, withstanding the bigots that are her employers and the prejudice of society.
This movie restates a moment in time when people believed in the existence of a racial hierarchy and brings to mind the everyday hardships that many people had to go through based on the pigmentation of their skin. This movie was presented in a Southern environment with outstanding performances from the actors.
