The Help is the story of Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, a young journalist who teams up with African American maids to write a book about their workplace experiences in Jackson, Mississippi during the turbulent ‘60s. The movie is based on Kathryn Stockett’s bestseller of the same name. Though Skeeter, played by Emma Stone, might appear to be the protagonist, the real stars and heroes of the movie are found in maids Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis) and Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer). These women shine as they stand up to the awful racism that was standard in Jackson during this time.

Skeeter stands out from her friends in the movie, who are all married and have children of their own. Instead, she wants to work and make a name for herself as a writer. Skeeter also differs in the fact that she shows kindness towards the maids.

Aibileen and Minny are best friends, and have both seen their share of tragedy during their lives. Aibileen is the first maid to talk with Skeeter, and along with Minny, convinces many others to share their stories. Despite their many obstacles, they continue to persevere to make their lives better.

The movie started slow, but picked up by its positive ending. The portrayal of the Jim Crow laws was powerful, shown through scenes where the maids received verbal harassment and were forced to use separate bathrooms outside of their employer’s home. I could feel the maids’ dilemma to open up and talk with Skeeter, because they were risking their jobs and safety to bring the truth to light.

Stone, who rose to fame in comedies like Superbad and Easy A, transitioned well into a more dramatic role as Skeeter. Though her acting was good, there were scenes were I felt she could have been more emotive, especially given the topic. As Minny, Spencer was an absolute joy to watch. Her attitude and bravery were some necessary comedic relief for the heavy topic of racial inequality. She became one of the movie’s true heroes when she stood up to housewife Hilly Holbrook (Bryce Dallas Howard). Minny’s scenes with Celia Foote (Jessica Chastain), the “white-trash” housewife viewed as a social pariah, were hilarious. Chastain was excellent in her comedic scenes, where she fails at cooking and cleaning, and in her more dramatic scenes where we see her struggle to have a baby.

Hilly was the movie’s main antagonist and Howard played the part well. Hilly’s many evil acts included working to pass legislation to make it illegal for the maids to use restrooms in their employers homes, refusing to loan one maid $75 to send her sons to college and frequently having maids fired and arrested for “stealing” from her home. Her racist attitude and conniving schemes made the scenes where she received comeuppance seem like sweet justice.

Overall, the movie was enjoyable and the cast was great. I do not think it will win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, but it was touching and powerful. As a student of the diverse AHS, it was an important reminder to me that not too long ago, there was severe racial inequality in the U.S.