robert_farrimond

Not being too old when the original season aired, I was unfamiliar with the concept of this show, so when I saw all 8 episodes had been added to Netflix I had no idea what to expect. I was so pleasantly surprised.

The show is life-affirming and emotional. Whilst at times the guys seem a little too intrusive and border on being overly judgemental, they win me, and the people they're there to help, over with their charm, friendship and emotional support. Their chemistry and friendship brings a smile to my face and really is magic. The way they allowed others and themselves to open up was a privilege to see, and I have come away from each episode with a smile on my face.

Definitely worth a watch, the first episode with Tom had me beaming, sobbing and awwing. A true delight.

I'm currently studying the civil rights movement in my history A level at the moment and specifically, women, and establishing the difference between a leader and an organiser. To me, this film leads the way in highlighting how brave, strong and incredible black women were in this period.

First of all, the film is flawless, albeit a little long and maybe sometimes slow. The only main criticism I'll give this film is that it's emotionally exhausting. I've cried at a few films but this one had me balling all the way through. To me, it was so real and because women went through this just tears me apart. Not being able to say anything, to do anything wrong or else you will face torment and fear from white people and in the character of Minny's case, their husbands.

The acting is by far my favourite thing in this film. Viola Davis produces an Oscar-worthy performance, she had everything down to perfection: her accent, her mannerisms, she was the character. The character of Minny, though stereotyped, was a brilliant representation of black women in fear and under the thumb of not only their employers but their husbands, something that was so true at the time. Octavia Spencer's portrayal is hilarious and heartbreaking and the arc that was portrayed was magnificent. Jessica Chastain was another actress who shone in this film, her character had my eyes streaming and my heart breaking. The only performance that falls short is Emma Stone's. Although convincing, at times she's awkward and her accent is flawed. Nonetheless, she gave a very satisfying performance. However, to me, there is one scene that is embedded into my mind. The scene in which Yule Mae asks for a loan from Hilly, the performance of Aunjanue Ellis is convincing and truly heartbreaking as you see the hope in her eyes shattered by the cruel employer.

The visuals are something else that make the film even more refined. The colours are gorgeous and the quality of the film making was impressive.

This film, although fictional, is a true depiction of life for a maid. There are two words that I'm in danger of overusing in describing this film, but the content and substance is on par with the standard of the film making, ultimately making an incredible, heartbreaking film. I am singing this film's praise because there are not many films like this nowadays, films that make you think, make you feel, make you angry. The Help is a gem, that should be shown to everyone.