The Help
In 1960s Mississippi, an aspiring writer risks social exile to document the suppressed experiences of Black domestic workers and help turn private courage into collective change.
Overview
A powerful tale of courage and friendship amid the struggles of a divided society.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- sincere
- witty
- warm
- historical drama night
- book club viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film emotionally effective and powered by its ensemble, especially Viola Davis, while arguing that its racial themes are sometimes softened or glossed over.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Aibileen, Minny, and other Black domestic workers share their experiences through Skeeter's writing project.
Skeeter initiates and organizes the interviews while Aibileen and the other maids provide the lived testimony.
Southern social rituals, domestic spaces, and female friendships are juxtaposed with racial segregation and exploitation.
Skeeter, Aibileen, Minny, and Celia form unlikely bonds despite the rigid divisions of their Mississippi town.
Films like The Help, and why
Hidden Figures
shares a 1960s American setting, racial injustice themes, female-centered drama, and moral courage
The Secret Life of Bees
shares civil rights-era social conflict, white privilege themes, female friendship, and an uplifting dramatic tone
A United Kingdom
shares historical racism, intimate testimony, ensemble female performances, and emotionally accessible social drama
Movie Details
- Director
- Tate Taylor
- Release Date
- 2011-08-09
- Runtime
- 146 min
- Rating
- 8.2 / 10 (9299)
Cast
- Emma Stone
- Viola Davis
- Bryce Dallas Howard
- Octavia Spencer
- Jessica Chastain
- Ahna O'Reilly
- Allison Janney
- Anna Camp
- Eleanor Henry
- Emma Henry
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- fuboTV, YouTube TV, FXNow
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Help about?
- In 1960s Mississippi, an aspiring writer risks social exile to document the suppressed experiences of Black domestic workers and help turn private courage into collective change.
- What is The Help like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Help as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Help violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Help as mild.
- What did critics think of The Help?
- Critics broadly found the film emotionally effective and powered by its ensemble, especially Viola Davis, while arguing that its racial themes are sometimes softened or glossed over.
- Which films are like The Help?
- Films with a similar feel include Hidden Figures, The Secret Life of Bees, and A United Kingdom.
- How long is The Help?
- The Help runs 146 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Help?
- In United States, The Help streams on fuboTV, YouTube TV, FXNow.
