“An urban nightmare with a surfeit of soul, Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire is like a diamond […] courageous and uncompromising, a shaken cocktail of debasement and elation, despair and hope. Everyone involved deserves credit for creating a movie so dangerous, problematic and ultimately elevating.” John Anderson, Variety
Featuring Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz (in his film debut), sixteen year-old Claireece “Precious” Jones (Gabourey Sidibe) can neither read nor write and suffers constant abuse at the hands of her mother (Mo’Nique). Precious instinctively sees a chance to turn her life around when she is offered the opportunity to transfer to an alternative school. Under the patient, firm guidance of her new teacher, Ms. Rain (Paula Patton) and the watchful eye of Ms.Weiss (Mariah Carey), she slowly begins the journey from oppression to self-determination. Set in 1980s Harlem. Precious is an uncompromising look at abuse, perseverance and ultimately, survival.