CINEMA delivers us a myriad hellish tales, some of them based on fact.
The multi-Oscar nominated Precious: Based on the novel Push by Sapphire is not a true story (it is merely inspired by New York poet Sapphire’s experiences as a teacher), and thank heavens for that.
At the heart of this cinematic tour de force is protagonist Clareece ‘Precious’ Jones (exciting newcomer Gabourey Sidibe), an obese, illiterate 16-year-old who has given birth to two children after being raped by her father.
Add a monster of a mother, the abusive Mary (comedian Mo’Nique in a terrifyingly compelling performance), and only then do you have a fuller picture of the torment that defines young Precious’ life.
There is yet more disturbing detail to this urban nightmare, but to divulge further would require a spoiler alert.
We meet young Precious on what is a routine day for her: in Harlem, ostracised by classmates and fantasising about being a red-carpet celebrity, and even a white, blonde glamour girl.
After an altercation in the classroom, Precious is advised by school authorities to attend an alternative educational institution, given her special needs situation.
If only her pit bull mother was supportive; instead, she fires expletives at young Precious and demands she signs up for government welfare payments all the while parking her own backside on the couch and gorging on pig’s trotters forcibly cooked by her daughter.
It is at the new school that Precious starts to open up to the world, thanks to teacher Ms Rain (Paula Patton), who inspires her pupil to “push” her way through seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Make no mistake, this is a damn hard movie to watch; a climactic scene in which things come to a shocking head between Precious and Mary will leave you rocked to the core.
From the tortured soul portrayed by young Sidibe to the tyrant depicted by Mo’Nique to a pared-back Mariah Carey in a supporting role far removed from her diva reputation, this is acting at its most raw and powerful.
The beautiful spirit of Patton, meanwhile, shines a much-needed bright light on what is a frighteningly dark and astonishingly harrowing cinematic journey that will tear your heart out.
Ultimately, Precious is for the precious in this world, empowering them to believe a woman’s resilience can often overcome life’s adversities, however horrendous they may be.