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The Help

Play trailer 2:25 Poster for The Help PG-13 2011 2h 26m History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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75% Tomatometer 231 Reviews 89% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
In the 1960s Mississippi, Southern society girl Skeeter returns from college with dreams of being a writer. She turns her small town on its ear by choosing to interview the Black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent white families. Only Aibileen, the housekeeper of Skeeter's best friend, will talk at first. But as the pair continue the collaboration, more women decide to come forward, and as it turns out, they have quite a lot to say.
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The Help

The Help

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Critics Consensus

Though it fails to fully engage with its racial themes, The Help rises on the strength of its cast -- particularly Viola Davis, whose performance is powerful enough to carry the film on its own.

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Critics Reviews

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Shubhra Gupta The Indian Express 03/29/2019
4/5
Yes it has drawn some criticism for not being authentic enough in depicting the painful disparity, but in putting rarely heard voices on screen and telling it in a story as regonisable as this, The Help deserves only praise. Go to Full Review Anna Smith metro.co.uk 08/24/2018
4/5
The Help is a somewhat light-hearted take on the relations between black maids and their bosses in 1960s Mississippi, giving a simplified yet well-intended story of Kathryn Stockett’s novel for the big screen. Go to Full Review Roxane Gay New York Daily News 05/24/2018
At one point, Minny rhapsodizes about fried chicken and the solace of its preparation... I was convinced the movie was satirical. Go to Full Review Don Shanahan Every Movie Has a Lesson 10/17/2024
4/5
The Help balances the three lead voices wonderfully and molds a book-within-a-book plot that delivers as many tears as it does laughs. Go to Full Review Wesley Lovell Cinema Sight 10/10/2023
3.5/4
As a piece of entertainment, it works. As a historical document, its contents are too sanitized in an effort to avoid inflaming old tensions and that mutes its impact. Go to Full Review Nadia Dalimonte Next Best Picture 04/06/2023
7/10
While the narrative includes Black characters’ perspectives, the writing holds them at a distance, not providing more in-depth character development overall. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Roven B @cinnephile.01 4d Its just one of those things you gotta sit down and watch and understand for yourself See more Benny R @Benny925 Jun 26 This movie in my opinion historically and accurately portrays the pain of maids in the 60s, it also offers strong acting and powerful performances. See more Pauline W @Paulwall May 24 Brilliant movie very well acted and directed. To the naysayers who say it doesn't depict the reality of black lives at the time, this is a movie not reality and the movie does its job of conveying a message while making it an easy watch and accessible to everyone. A must see. See more Chris B @Papa13070 May 18 The Help is one of those movies that hits you right in the heart. Set in 1960s Mississippi, it tells the story of brave women pushing back against racial injustice, and it's full of moments that'll make you laugh, cry, and maybe even cheer. The standout performances are what really make this movie shine. Viola Davis as Aibileen is just incredible-her quiet strength and dignity steal every scene she's in. Octavia Spencer brings humor and heart as Minny, and Emma Stone's character, Skeeter, is a great example of how one person can use their privilege to make a difference. Bryce Dallas Howard as the nasty, manipulative Hilly Holbrook is so convincing you'll love to hate her. The movie balances heavy themes like racism and inequality with lighter moments, which keeps it from feeling overwhelming. That said, it's still a powerful story that shines a spotlight on voices that often go unheard. See more David D. @FrostyXP Apr 22 Very good movie, I enjoyed the story, the humor and heart of the movie! I recommend this movie! See more Les N @Vegas628 Apr 21 When you get past the Americanisms, it is a good movie. See more Read all reviews
The Help

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Cast & Crew

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Tate Taylor

Director

Viola Davis

Aibileen

Emma Stone

Skeeter

Bryce Dallas Howard

Hilly

Octavia Spencer

Minny

Jessica Chastain

Celia Foote

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The Help

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The Help

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Movie Info

Synopsis In the 1960s Mississippi, Southern society girl Skeeter returns from college with dreams of being a writer. She turns her small town on its ear by choosing to interview the Black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent white families. Only Aibileen, the housekeeper of Skeeter's best friend, will talk at first. But as the pair continue the collaboration, more women decide to come forward, and as it turns out, they have quite a lot to say.
Director
Tate Taylor
Producer
Brunson Green, Chris Columbus, Michael Barnathan
Screenwriter
Tate Taylor
Distributor
Walt Disney
Production Co
1492 Pictures, Harbinger Pictures
Rating
PG-13 (Thematic Material)
Genre
History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 10, 2011, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA)
$169.7M
Runtime
2h 26m
Sound Mix
SDDS, Dolby Digital