MovieWatcher: Precious

I don’t ever want to see this movie again.

I can honestly say that the story was breathtaking and at times, hard to digest. It was difficult to see a secret that many of us know exists in homes everywhere play itself out on screen, especially given the recent circumstances of Shaniya Davis. There were times when I was sitting in that dark and cold movie theatre feeling as though someone had punched me in my gut. There were times when I wished I could close my eyes and ears to what I was seeing depicted on the screen…but I couldn’t turn away. It was as if a vice grip held my head in place so I couldn’t divert my attention anywhere else…at the end, however, I was glad that I took in every minute.

But I don’t ever want to see this movie again.

I know Precious. She grew up down the street from me, she went to elementary school with me, we were in English together in junior high. Hell, but for the grace of God, she could have been me. During my adolescent and teenage years, my relationship with my mother was strained. There were times when I questioned her love for me and why I was born to this particular woman. As I got older, I realized that even if there were times when I felt low, I never spent a day without everything that I needed. I still had Christmas and Easter, I still was incredibly spoiled and treated like a princess. This movie, Precious, reminded me of that.

But I still don’t ever want to see this movie again.

The performances in Precious were outstanding. Gabourey Sidibe is exactly how I envisioned Precious. She conquers this role and breathes life into a character that seemingly has no life. There is such a disparity between Precious when she is living the life with her mother and when she is fantasizing that I found myself wishing better for her. I cheered for her. That is the ultimate compliment, I think. Paula Patton is wonderful as Ms. Rain, although she is a completely different picture than the one created in the book Push by Sapphire. I’ve read some chatter about how all the “rescuers” in the film are betrayed by lighter skinned Black people. I don’t even know why I’m engaging that topic here, except to say if that is the only thing you came away from this movie with, I feel sorry for you. Lenny Kravitz is warm and engaging in his film debut, and Mariah Carey is surprisingly captivating as Ms. Weiss. But the performance that I was most impressed with is that of Mo’Nique. Mo’Nique owned this role…she was every bit of nasty and bitter and devoid of emotion that the character was. There were several moments when I cringed watching her, but in the end, I felt complete and utter sadness for her.

There is a critical scene at the end that left me shattered and emotionally weak. The ending lets you see inside of Mary Jones, lets you inside her mind. It’s not a pretty thing. It is ugly, deformed, and twisted…and it is her truth. There is no empathy for Mary Jones, but there is a slight wish for her to find some help. The real champion here is Precious. Even with everything thrown at her, she still perseveres. She still wants a better life, even with not knowing how. That is how faith works. And that is beautiful.

I had to sit in the theatre for a few moments after the film ended to collect myself. I felt as though I’d just rode an emotional roller coaster, but I was glad that I had. This is an exceptional movie, and one that emphasizes that no matter what, you should continue to Push.

But I never want to see this movie again.

Peace and blessings…