The Help (2011) Stars Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Allison Janney, Octavia Spencer and Emma Stone. This is an empowering story of black women in the South in the 1960s who care for rich spoiled white women’s children, and embark on a project to write a book about the secrets they know about these white families. Based on the book by Kathryn Stockett. 146 minutes. This film has closed captioning.