If Hugo is my favorite film of 2011 so far, then The Help is definitely my second-favorite. Directed by Tate Taylor and starring Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Emma Stone, it tells the story of two African-American maids, Aibileen (Davis) and Minny (Spencer) in 1960s Jackson, Mississippi. They defy all odds and help an aspiring, young writer/journalist Skeeter (Stone) to write an anonymous account of the living and working conditions of maids in Jackson. The film is anchored by two incredible performances from Davis and Spencer. They are both shoo-ins for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress nominations, respectively, at the Academy Awards. I am secretly hoping that Davis pulls out a win, even though she will face stiff competition from Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady) and Glenn Close (Albert Nobbs, which I have not yet seen, but look for the review when I do). Spencer has a very decent shot at a win in the Supporting Actress category as well. An emotionally-charged look at a very important societal issue, The Help manages to be lighthearted and powerful at the same time.
Should you see it: Yes
Grade: A
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