Precious

Watch Trailer

Sidibe is the titular character, Precious; an obese sixteen year old with an extremely difficult home life. She already has one down syndrome child, the result of a rape by her father, and has another baby on the way after a different rape - a regular occurrence. Her mother is just as bad; abusing her verbally, sexually and physically. Precious escapes her dingy home in Harlem by imagining what it would be like to have a "light-skinned boyfriend" and live the life of a superstar - or to simply just be loved. Enrolling in a programme that can help her learn to read and write, Precious meets a teacher who genuinely cares. Invigorated by the belief that someone has shown in her, she embraces her independence.

This is an extremely difficult film to recommend to anyone, despite the obvious power that it exudes. The cruelty that Precious must bear is frighteningly realistic, with Mo'Nique playing one of the most despicable characters in recent cinematic memory so well, awards surely beckon. But the continual onslaught of said abuse may prove too much for some viewers. Knowing what you're getting yourself in for when you purchase a ticket for this film is paramount; this is no easy ride, but is challenging cinema that showcases two truly wonderful performances.

Maybe not the type of film to go and see on a rainy, particularly depressing day; Precious still deserves your viewing. Even if you'll never want to see it again after.