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When Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry team up to produce a film, people perk up and pay attention—or at least that’s been the case with director Lee Daniels’s urban drama, Precious. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years of movie watching, it’s that hype does not a great movie make—and while Precious is a captivating film, it’s not necessarily a great one.
Set in ‘80s Harlem, Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire tells the story of struggling teen Claireece “Precious” Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a 16-year-old girl who’s been pushed through every system there is. She’s never learned to read, yet she’s somehow made it to junior high. She’s suffered every kind of abuse imaginable, yet the social workers never seem to notice. They just keep sending the checks that keep her violent, manipulative mother (Mo’Nique) sitting in front of the TV, waiting for Precious to bring home her lottery tickets and cigarettes.
Now, Precious is pregnant with her father’s child for the second time. She’s been thrown out of school, and the welfare agency is threatening to cut her mother off. So when her principal suggests that she attend an alternative school, Precious doesn’t really have much of a choice. But there, in a small classroom of kids like her, she finally finds a place where she fits—and a teacher, Ms. Rain (Paula Patton), who encourages her to strive for a better life.
Just when you think things might start to get better for poor Precious, they just keep getting worse—and that makes Precious an emotionally exhausting film. From the very beginning, you’ll feel for the character—not just because of the abuse she’s been forced to endure but also because she’s different. She’s a victim of the system, yet she doesn’t want to settle for a life on the streets. She wants more for herself and her children. She’s just waiting for someone to reach out to her—and maybe even care about her. Sidibe generally underplays the role—sometimes to a fault—yet you’ll care. So, with each new blow that she suffers, you’ll feel it, too.
But Precious isn’t all doom and gloom. Sure, it’s pretty heavy stuff—but it’s not nearly as heavy as it could have been. And there’s plenty to enjoy: the lighter moments, the occasional feeling of hope, and, especially, the surprising performances.
When I first heard rumblings about a possible Oscar nomination for Mo’Nique, I was admittedly pretty skeptical—but she deserves the buzz. Though she plays a completely hateful character, her performance is still utterly compelling—and when she speaks, you’ll definitely listen (and you’ll be absolutely horrified). And she’s just one part of a generally noteworthy cast—including a shockingly understated Mariah Carey, whose small role as a social worker goes a long way toward making up for Glitter.
Of course, the story behind Precious isn’t entirely new or original. In fact, it’s been done over and over again. Although it has a certain gritty authenticity to it, it’s not entirely surprising—and, perhaps for that reason, it isn’t a knockout. It’s eye-opening and often emotional, yet it’s missing that a-ha moment that would make it a truly exceptional drama. The gripping performances make it worth checking out—but (despite the hype) it isn’t a must-see.
