Dreamworks Studios have released some images of Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer in the upcoming film, 'The Help,' which is based on the novel by Kathryn Stockett.

Set in Mississippi during the 1960s, film stars Emma Stone as Skeeter, a southern society girl who returns from college determined to become a writer, but turns her friends' lives-and a small Mississippi town-upside down when she decides to interview the black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent southern families.

Viola Davis stars as Aibileen, Skeeter's best friend's housekeeper, who is the first to open up-to the dismay of her friends in the tight-knit black community. Despite Skeeter's life-long friendships hanging in the balance, she and Aibileen continue their collaboration and soon more women come forward to tell their stories-and as it turns out, they have a lot to say. Along the way, unlikely friendships are forged and a new sisterhood emerges, but not before everyone in town has a thing or two to say themselves when they become unwittingly-and unwillingly-caught up in the changing times.

Written and directed by Tate Taylor, the film also stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Allison Janney, Mike Vogel, Sissy Spacek, Aunjanue Ellis, Cicely Tyson, La Chanze, and David Oyelowo.

'The Help' will be released in theaters on August 12, 2011.