Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Help’ (2022)

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Help’.
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There was a time, where critical issues and concerns within our society, were more or less ignored by television networks and motion picture studios. Because the executives in those worlds at the time, believed that consumers were of the belief that T.V. and film were escapes from the everyday world and injecting a touch of real-world concern would ruin that escape and upset the folks at home or in theaters. But there was in fact, demand for the networks and studios to say something when the issue was big enough and that answer to that request, was a ‘very special episode’ or an ‘after school special’ that addressed those very concerns before returning audiences to the land of escapism post haste.
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But as time has rolled along and more people in charge have come to understand the healing power of storytelling and how movies and shows can do more than just entertain, and can actually teach and address real world issues, more and more we are seeing shows and movies that tackle real world problems. So that genuine conversations can take place and awareness can be brought forth regarding important matters and well, that’s led to a bevy of powerful stories on the market. The kind that really are shining a light on topics that we won't or don't discuss enough, such as domestic violence. Which is an important matter that a brand-new motion picture entitled, Help, tackles in a unique manner. 

Now in this particular film, we are introduced to a woman named Grace that is going through a tough time. For she’s broken up with her boyfriend and in the hopes of lifting her spirts, she heads out to the countryside to spend a little time with her bestie Liv and her boyfriend, Edward. But upon arriving at their cozy and wonderful abode, Grace picks up on a strange atmosphere within the house, one that is exacerbated by odd behavior between this supposedly loving couple. The kind that leaves Grace suspicious that a secret is being hidden within the walls of this ‘loving home’ and what she will uncover, will change the course of her life in ways that she never thought possible. 

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Which at first glance, is a plot that seems to lean harder into the horror genre. Since such concerns could revolve around a spirit or something sinister nearby. But by keeping us guessing as to what to expect, we are immediately engaged and engrossed by what’s happening in this story and that allows for the grand reveal that domestic violence is the actual evil waiting inside this home, to take us by surprise and what's incredible, is that the twist and turns in this story… don't end there. For it turns out that Liv is the individual committing violent acts against Edward and that’s a smart twist to add to this story for several reasons. In part because it informs us of the fact, that DV isn’t something that is exclusively committed by men. Granted, a vast majority of men do indeed initiate and engage in any and all forms of DV and that has to be recognized and spoken to often.
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But it is important to note that women will engage in it as well and having a woman be the instigator of it here, not only takes the viewer off guard, but it also motivates them to look at this story from a different perspective and think back on every moment and hint of abuse in this relationship and that’s really where the film excels in its commentary. Since now, every warning sign and every bit of gaslighting and manipulation becomes apparent. Giving the viewer a complete understanding of what domestic violence really looks like in the home and the warning signs that present themselves accordingly, and that’s a powerful way to engage the viewer on a topic that too many people choose not to discuss or concern themselves with.

But we should, plain and simple, because the well-being of an individual both mentally and physically is at stake when we stay silent and inactive, and that is perhaps the finest message present within this story. In that, if we know this is happening, say something and get the right authorities involved and the same goes for those currently experiencing it… regardless of how scary that may be. Because domestic violence isn’t something that will magically resolve itself and go away. It’s dangerous, it’s unhealthy and those dealing with it, need to be free from it and that message and everything we’ve discussed today, make this a poignant and powerful motion picture. One that needs to be seen so that we can finally get some serious discussions going about a topic that has languished in the dark for far too long.    

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