Hollywood newcomer Gabourey Sidibe is Precious. It is this girl that viewers will most closely sympathize with in this modern tragedy. Sidibe gives the character both a toughness and an unexpected vulnerability. The scene-stealer in the picture, though, is Mo’Nique as Precious’s mother Mary. Mary is lazy, bitter, mean-spirited, and emotionally and physically abusive towards her daughter. She is most people's worst nightmare of a mother and a leach on society. However, Mo'Nique somehow finds the humanity in her character, showing her behaviors and attitude have a basis in reality. The director does not seek to vilify or indisputably praise any one character in the picture, instead trying to show the flaws and humanity in all.
This is a difficult picture to watch at times but it serves as a wake-up call to how bad some people's lives can be. Precious's ability to go into a dream-like trance to escape her awful reality gives both her and viewers a brief refrain from the traumas of the picture. It is both bittersweet and necessary to explain how her spirit can survive such degradation. Mariah Carey contributes to the picture in a low-key way as a concerned but over-her-head social worker trying to do right by Precious. The portrayal of Precious's teacher also rings true of someone attempting to help but not having the necessary tools to do it alone.
While not an easy picture and definitely not for children, "Precious" is a small, personal drama that deserves the praise and acclaim it has received. The picture may surprise you with its emotional effectiveness and underlying morality.
Rated R for child abuse including sexual assault, and pervasive language.
