Review of Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire (2009) by Stuart B — 22 Apr 2011

Well that was depressing... Not something for the lighthearted, this was a thoroughly brutal drama with stunning performances from Gaby Sidibe and Mo'Nique in particular. It's grim, harsh, unpleasant and many of the scenes are difficult to comprehend as reality (even though I'm sure this kind of thing exists in society) as well as watch, but I think that only goes to serve just how spectacular the performances really are.

The direction is generally competent too, drawing you into this environment and leaving you exhausted with the atrocious conditions, and you feel for the characters, even a little for those who are portrayed in a negative light.

The characters are crafted from their environment, and it's chilling to watch. Unfortunately, the classroom scenes far too often drift into melodrama as it tries to lift the depressing air, but it generally comes off as trite and almost laughable.

I also didn't really appreciate the dream sequences which felt like a poor man's Heavenly Creatures, it felt far too often like they were just thrown in any lacked any real intent. But within those haunting and devastatingly powerful moments the film pulls itself out of the mire with such intensity.

So while a little uneven, the film is certainly an interesting watch with spellbinding performances.