Voices of Courage - "The Help" Movie Review

Voices of Courage

"The Help", directed by Tate Taylor which was adapted from Kathryn Stockett's novel explores the lives of black maids working in white households, mainly focuses on their pains, struggles and racial discrimination they face. The film was set during the late 1960s. The film tells the story of two maids encouraged by a young writer to unfold their experiences and social segregation. During that time people of color were refused voting rights, going to same churches and schools as white people. "The Help" unfold these injustices faced by black people.

The plot moves around Skeeter, a young white woman who works as a writer and Aibileen, a black maid at Elizabeth's home. Skeeter was raised by a black maid named Constantine and loves her more than her own mother. The maid's sudden disappearance broke her heart. Aibileen used to raise white children over decades. She loved the job, and it was hard to raise someone else's children. Skeeter attended a friends' meeting at Elizabeth's home. There were a social elite lady Hilly demeaned black people and stated she cannot use toilet that was used by blacks claiming it would spread diseases. Skeeter and Aibileen were disturbed by hearing this and could not do anything. Minny, who worked at Hilly's home also got refused to use washroom. But she used it out of necessity then got fired. Hilly spread fake news about Minny of being a thief, made sure she gets no job in that area. After that Minny got revenge on Hilly in a disgusting way. These incidents portray how tolerant Aibileen and how fearless Minny are. 

All these events provoked Skeeter to turn her book writing interest on the social hierarchy and injustices black people face. She convinces Aibileen to help her write the book. But Aibileen feared this would create tensions between blacks and those elites. Minny also agreed to help write the book. Knowing the courage of both maids, many other maids came forward to unfold their experiences as well. With the help of all maids Skeeter finished writing the book then published it anonymously. Even after getting to know about the book, Hilly could not do anything because she would have to expose her humiliation herself mentioned in the book. People from both black and white communities read the book to understand what each other thinks about them.

The star packed cast became its big strength. Each actor worked well to give an outstanding performance. Viola Davis, as Aibileen gave emotionally depth performance with strength and dignity. Her character conveyed messages with less words and more performance. The tolerance and compassion that she showed through acting added more emotional weight for the film. Octavia Spencer, as Minny gave both fiery and humorous performances. She always showed her toughness whenever she could not take abuses anymore. Emma Stone, as Skeeter, brought a strong lead to the film. Her interactions with her elite friends and maids showed the dynamic and complexity of the character.  Her character growth from a young writer to social fighter was portrayed clearly by Emma Stone. She was introduced as an outsider then becomes ally to the maids. She became aware of the injustices caused to black maids and turned their pain into voices. This is how she adds depth to the character. Her character played a huge center point in this film.

Bryce Dallas Howard, as Hilly plays a manipulative and racist woman character. Her performance in its portrayal of Hilly’s cruelty and entitlement made her an unlikable character. Her performance when she reacted to Minny’s pie revenge and asserting her power over maids were very impactful. Hilly is the most toxic character in the film. Celia played by Jessica Chastin is a good white woman. But is hated by others because Hilly spread lies about her. Her portrayal also adds complexity to the social dynamics by showing differences exist among white women.

While this movie gives emotionally depth story and great performances, it does not show everything. This exposes a little oppression of what had happened during that period. In reality many black personalities fought against this, but this movie is all about white savior helping out black women. And this movie does not fully explore systematic oppression faced by black people. In the movie all characters conveying stories more through speaking and less visuals. This made the movie boring.

The Help delivers a social justice voice that makes people think of racism and partiality. This is deeply affecting movie with a lot of emotion and pain. It sends a message for us to stand up to what is right by providing voice to courage. As mentioned, this movie has some flaws, but the great performances of the actors raise the movie. It gives a good story that explores voices of courage and dignity well.

ARTICLE BY: IM/2022/030