'Precious' is a dark film that offers a ray of hope
(AP Photo/Lionsgate, Anne Marie Fox)
"Precious," a Lee Daniels film based on the novel "Push" by Sapphire, is not for the squeamish. There are dark themes and sinister imagery layered throughout the film. Though Oprah and Tyler Perry have their names attached to this vehicle, "Precious" is far more "Color Purple" than any movie featuring Madea.
And that's a good thing. For once, a large, dark-skinned black woman on film isn't being portrayed by Perry, Martin Lawrence, or Eddie Murphy. "Precious" takes itself seriously, as its non-glamorous look immerses you into a world of poverty, crime, and physical and sexual abuse.
"Precious" follows the story of Claireece Precious Jones, a high school junior who's soon faced with the prospect of attaining an education while raising a baby with Down syndrome and a second child on the way.
Both children, too, are fathered by Precious' own father.
Precious herself comes from a verbally abusive home in Harlem, where her mother (Mo'Nique) constantly reminds her that she's worthless. It's no wonder then that Precious takes refuge in her imagination. In the most tense, uncomfortable scenes in the film, Precious goes to her "happy place," dreaming of walking the red carpet or being in a flashy BET music video.
When Precious arrives at an alternative school, she finally finds some comfort in a support system that involves her teacher Blu Rain (Paula Patton) and her fellow female peers.
The performances in "Precious" are some of the best of the year. Gabourey Sidibe stars in the lead, playing Precious as an exhausted, soft-spoken teenager who strives to do right in the midst of chaos. Sidibe's Precious remains fairly hopeful despite barely being able to read or provide for her growing family.
Mo'Nique plays Precious' mother, Mary, an abusive parent addicted to welfare checks. In a powerhouse performance, Mary comes across as not just a bully but an unadulterated monster. In a must-see scene towards the end of the film, Mary attempts to convince herself, Precious, a social worker, and the audience that she's a victim rather than the victimizer. Through tears, her arguments help to at least raise your eyebrow and reflect, though Mo'Nique's performance is so impactful throughout the film, one is hard pressed to muster forgiveness for her character.
Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz also have small roles in this film. Carey plays a social worker and completely looks the no-frills part. Sans make-up and void of any diva-like tendencies, Carey manages to convince the audience that she's just another actress on screen. In "Precious," Carey is quite good--there's no trace of "Glitter" in this performance.
Kravitz also does a solid job as an understated male nurse who helps bring Precious' second child into the world. Sherri Shepherd of "The View" also does a fine job, as well.
Despite a few slick post-production moves, "Precious" feels both ordinary and extraordinary. While the movie contains a documentary-like feel that never feels forced, it's the hardships that Precious meets and overcomes that will leave viewers sympathetic to her life and appreciative of their own.
Grade: A-
Watch the trailer for "Precious" below.
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