Alex McCurthy
“The Help” is a critically acclaimed drama film that was released in 2011. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Kathryn Stockett and tells the story of African American maids working in Mississippi during the 1960s. The film features a talented cast, including Emma Stone, Viola Davis, and Octavia Spencer.
Emma Stone plays the lead role of Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, a recent college graduate who decides to write a book about the experiences of African American maids in Mississippi. Viola Davis plays Aibileen Clark, one of the maids who agrees to speak to Skeeter. Octavia Spencer plays Minny Jackson, another maid who is known for her cooking skills.
Other notable cast members include Bryce Dallas Howard, who plays Hilly Holbrook, a racist socialite who is a thorn in the side of the maids, and Jessica Chastain, who plays Celia Foote, a wealthy woman who hires Minny as her maid. The cast also includes Allison Janney, Sissy Spacek, and Cicely Tyson.
The performances in “The Help” are outstanding, with Davis and Spencer both receiving Academy Award nominations for their roles. Stone is also excellent as Skeeter, and Howard does a great job of making Hilly Holbrook a character that the audience loves to hate. The film also features a powerful message about the struggles faced by African Americans during the Civil Rights era.
Overall, “The Help” is a moving and thought-provoking film that features a talented cast delivering outstanding performances. The film’s powerful message about racial inequality makes it a must-watch for anyone interested in American history.
