Currently Watching…The Help
I watched this movie yesterday and decided to reread the book…
The movie itself was amazing and brought me to tears more than once, as well as made me laugh. Below some thoughts I’ve had about the movie and the book, alltogether, that I thought I’d share.
*Constantine’s Heart* ♥️
This woman isn’t talked about much, but she is exactly the reason why Skeeter decided to write the book she did. The love for people that Constantine drilled into Skeeter, is really what made Skeeter the way she is. It’s heartbreaking to know that she was treated so cruelly in the end after having given all her life to serve this family. I eventually forgive Skeeter’s mom, but it’s hard to get past the broken heart this kind woman endured.
*Skeeter’s mom* 👩
It’s no secret that Skeeter and her mom have had a rough relationship with Skeeter not once mentioning to her mom that Constantine is the one who raised her and not her mom which I could see was hurting her mom. Just like Skeeter, I’ve always received a lot of criticism about the way I look (from my mom) and that I can’t seem to find myself a husband. (I actually hear that almost daily from her and always ask her to leave me alone). While I understand today is a different time than it was then, I still feel for the girl. I also find myself rooting for their relationship to improve, especially because her mom is terminally ill the whole time. I was wondering if they would get along and begin to respect each other and towards the end it looks like they did. In the end, her mom mentions how she got this “renewed strength” and how the doctor think It’s the “highest point” before it gets worse. She’s trying to convince herself and Skeeter that she will get better, but I think we all know that that’s not so. I know we don’t know what happens till later in the book, but I hope that they are able to improve their bond drastically before her mom passes away.
*The Witch* 🧙♀️
what can I say about Hilly?… we all know she’s the antagonist of the story. She is spoiled, cruel, selfish, and so much more. What I’ve been wandering, however, is there redemption for or is she going to stay this way forever? I think that eventually she will come around and realize how much of an asshole she is, but I think it would take a lot more life lessons to sink in. I will keep my fingers crossed for her though. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
*Mae Mobley*
Man, I think we’re all rooting for this girl to turn out OK because that goodbye scene between her and Abileen really did me in. 🥺😭 After watching a movie, I kept wondering if she was a real person then, how would her mother’s treatment affect her? I want to hope really hard that the teaching and kindness she received from her maid, would last enough for her to stay a good person, but I think we all know that that might not be enough like it was for Skeeter. Unless her mom, Elizabeth, snaps out of the postpartum, there’s no chance for this little girl to end up happy. Again, I’m hoping that Abileen telling Elizabeth to give Mae a chance would sink in far enough to melt her iceberg, but we will never find out. I understand how hard it is to have postpartum because I went through it myself for 2 to 3 years, but I think what Elizabeth has is not just postpartum, but more of having to never wanting kids in general and to have everything like Hilly. I don’t think she would’ve had babies if the time was different or if she wasn’t doing everything Hilly was. As long as she allowed Hilly to dictate everything in her life, there’s no chance of her breaking out of that spell and really caring for her kids. Let’s Imagine she did cause Mae really needs her mommy…🥺♥️
*Abileen*
Finally, we get to Abileen… this woman has seen cruelty and pain and has been bitter for a long time. Writing the book with Skeeter, allowed her to let go of some of that hurt. After watching the movie, I was left wandering whether she will continue working as a maid or maybe she will leave that business altogether and start writing her own stories. Not only that, but I could see her joining a civil rights group, fighting for rights for Black people. With this woman, anything is possible. ♥️
Hope you liked my review/ input. Let me know if you like this post and want to see more of the same content! ♥️
It’s truly incredible how a story like 'The Help' can stick with you, sparking so many thoughts long after the credits roll. I've been thinking a lot about the profound connection between Skeeter Phelan and her childhood maid, Constantine Bates. Their bond, though cut short and painfully ended, truly forms the emotional backbone of Skeeter's journey. It wasn't just a simple employer-employee relationship; it was a deep mentorship where Constantine, an 'Extraordinary woman' as the images suggest, instilled in Skeeter a sense of justice and empathy that few others did. This 'kindness' and unwavering spirit, despite her own 'Heartbreak,' became the catalyst for Skeeter's decision to expose the hidden truths of their society. It makes you wonder how different Skeeter's path would have been without Constantine's influence guiding her moral compass. Speaking of Constantine, I can't help but marvel at the performance of Cicely Tyson, the legendary actress who brought her to life on screen. Her portrayal was simply breathtaking, capturing Constantine's dignity, wisdom, and quiet suffering with such grace. Every scene she was in, you could feel the weight of her experiences and the deep affection she held for Skeeter. It’s actors like her who elevate a story from good to unforgettable, giving true depth to characters we come to care so much for. She truly embodied the spirit of that 'Extraordinary woman' from the book, making her heartbreak palpable. Beyond Constantine, the stories of Abileen and Minnie, and the collective experience of the maids, really resonate. The original piece touched on Abileen’s journey from bitterness to finding her voice through writing. It makes you think about the immense courage it took for these women to share their lives, knowing the risks involved. Their resilience in the face of systemic cruelty is a testament to the human spirit. They found strength not just for themselves but for future generations, hoping their narratives would spark change. It’s a powerful reminder of how individual acts of bravery, like sharing one’s truth, can contribute to something much larger. And what about Mae Mobley? That little girl captured my heart, and I often ponder 'WHAT'S IN STORE FOR MAE M·BLEY?'. The kindness she received from Abileen, a stark contrast to her own mother's treatment, really highlights the profound impact a caring adult can have. It makes me hope that those early lessons of love and self-worth would arm her against the harsh realities she might face. It’s a poignant reminder that even in the darkest environments, a glimmer of compassion can plant seeds of hope. The struggles of Elizabeth, Mae’s mother, with what seemed like postpartum and societal pressures, are also incredibly complex. It’s easy to judge, but the story compels us to consider the layers of influence that shaped even the 'villains' of the tale. This story truly unpacks so many complex human emotions and relationships.
