The Help

Videos & Trailers

Shinolator

A Social Awakening

The Help -- Accolades

Minny Makes a Pie

Celia Cooks a "Thank You" Dinner for Minny

Movie Information

The Help

Released on August 9, 2011
8.2(8,562 votes)
⏱️ 2h26

Budget:$0

Revenue:$0

Content written by Cineve AI, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) that recommends movies based on your preferences. She understands your tastes and guides you to the right film.

Quick overview of the story

In 1960s Mississippi, a young writer collaborates with Black maids to expose the realities of racism and segregation, risking their safety to challenge social norms and inspire change.

Detailed story summary

Set in 1960s Jackson, Mississippi, amid entrenched racial segregation, the story follows Skeeter, an aspiring writer who returns home after college. Disturbed by the injustices faced by Black maids, she seeks to document their experiences. Skeeter teams up with Aibileen and Minny, courageous maids who risk their livelihoods to share their stories. Together, they confront societal prejudice and personal fears, sparking change and challenging the status quo.

What makes this story unique?

The film explores the lives of Black maids in the segregated South through the lens of a white aspiring writer, offering a layered perspective on race, class, and courage during the civil rights era.

Key emotional or narrative relationship

The bond between Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minny drives the narrative, as their trust and collaboration become a catalyst for both personal and societal transformation.

How the main character evolves

Skeeter evolves from a sheltered Southern belle into a courageous advocate for justice, while Aibileen and Minny find empowerment in voicing their truths.

A memorable or defining scene

Aibileen's decision to share her story marks a pivotal moment, symbolizing the risk and bravery required to confront deep-seated injustice.

Narrative style or twist

The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, blending humor and drama, and uses the device of an anonymous book to reveal hidden truths.

Narrative tone

inspirational, dramatic, emotional, uplifting, historical, courageous

Atmosphere or emotional feel

hopeful, determined, compassionate, angry, reflective, empowered

Main themes explored

racism, courage, friendship, change, empowerment, resistance

Overview

Aibileen Clark is a middle-aged African-American maid who has spent her life raising white children and has recently lost her only son; Minny Jackson is an African-American maid who has often offended her employers despite her family's struggles with money and her desperate need for jobs; and Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan is a young white woman who has recently moved back home after graduating college to find out her childhood maid has mysteriously disappeared. These three stories intertwine to explain how life in Jackson, Mississippi revolves around "the help"; yet they are always kept at a certain distance because of racial lines.

Genres

Production Companies

  • 1492 Pictures1492 Pictures (US)
  • Harbinger Pictures (US)

Production Countries

  • United States of America

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Streaming

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Tate Taylor
Tate Taylor
Director
Tate Taylor
Tate Taylor
Screenplay

Cast

Crew

Additional context

Runtime category for this movie: Long

Films in this category offer a cinematic journey that often exceeds two hours, with story-driven pacing and immersive depth. Cineve AI can also understand terms related to this category, such as:

  • epic film
  • long runtime
  • extended cut
  • cinematic journey
  • over 2 hours
  • deep dive story
  • marathon watch
  • lengthy feature
  • immersive experience
  • story-driven runtime

Release period category for this movie: Modern

Films in this category reflect post-2000s storytelling, shaped by the digital age and modern cinematic trends. Cineve AI can also understand terms related to this category, such as:

  • contemporary classic
  • 2000s cinema
  • early 21st century
  • millennial movies
  • recent past
  • pre-2020 era
  • modern film era
  • post-2000s storytelling
  • transitional cinema
  • digital age movie

Popularity status category for this movie: Popular Favorite

Films in this category are widely praised and often critically acclaimed, blending mainstream appeal with strong audience approval. Cineve AI can also understand terms related to this category, such as:

  • critically acclaimed
  • top rated
  • highly recommended
  • widely praised
  • blockbuster hit
  • award-winning
  • must-watch
  • fan favorite
  • mainstream success
  • high score movie

Understood search styles

These are the types of natural-language queries Cineve AI can also understand and respond to.

  • movies about southern maids
  • films on racial injustice
  • stories of social change
  • female friendship in adversity
  • inspiring civil rights movies
  • courageous women in history