Review of Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire (2009) by Filipeneto — 29 Mar 2021

It is difficult to remain indifferent to a film like this, where the topics covered are so harsh, and we see someone leading such a difficult life without being guilty of it. Deeply intense, it is a film that thrills us, too, for the way the characters are worked, in terms of their psychology and feelings. The script, brilliantly written, is based on an autobiographical book and tells the story of a young woman, of humble origins and few studies, who was abused by her father and had children with him. The film tells how she clung to an alternative school and the opportunity to learn to get rid of a terrible and destructive life. Although the value of the prizes is always very relative and sometimes unfair, it is worth mentioning that the film won two Oscars (Best Supporting Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay) and was nominated for four more statuettes (Best Editing, Best Director, Best Actress and Best Film).

Lee Daniels' direction was able to give a coherent, intelligent and skillful development, both to the story and to the characters, gradually revealing their internal motivations, feelings and dramas. Several figures pass through the life of the young protagonist, some of them very striking - a despicable father, an abusive mother - and others luminous - the school teacher, the male nurse. There are others that represent the promise of a better future, like her children, at the same time the reason for her to fight for a better life and the prize to be achieved in that fight. And there are characters that, clearly, get in the way and sink into the life they lead. It is not a happy film, nor is there a happy ending for everyone here.

The cast deserves collective applause for the work they have done. Gabourey Sidibe was very young and little known when she made this film, but she proved to be a promise for the talent shown and for her intense, credible, committed and serious performance of a character who had everything to become nauseating if the actor lacked the ability to avoid it. And this is even more remarkable if we consider that it was the first cinematographic work by the actress who, however, has been more active in the television series. Equally intense and impressive, Mo'Nique's work deserves applause for the courageous way in which she gave herself to a very difficult task: giving life to the most horrible character in the film in a way that moves us and makes us truly feel sorry for her, not hatred. Personally, I loved the way she made the character and I highly value her delivery and professionalism. Mariah Carey was also up to the challenge and gave us an excellent job.

Technically, it is a very discreet film, which gives the story told and the characters the necessary space to develop as they deserve. Cinematography is elegant and the sets and costumes are within what we could expect. The soundtrack also doesn't have much room to stand out, discreetly fulfilling its role.