Though the film stars a handful of recognizable talent in Mo'Nique and Mariah Carey, the true weight of the film rest on the shoulders of newcomer Gabourey Sidibe. Tabbed to play Precious Jones, an overweight high-school student who finds herself pregnant with her father's child, Sidibe takes on one of the most demanding characters to grace the screen this year. Luckily for film appreciators, she handles her role with care, giving an outstanding performance that any actor would deem outstanding.

Portrayed with an unfaltering intensity, Sidibe gives the film her heart and soul, pouring every last drop of energy into her role of Precious. Her moves, timid and uncertain at the beginning, progress to those of confidence throughout her interactions with her new teacher and child protection serves officer, played well by Paula Patton and Mariah Carey respectively. The transformation is slow, unnoticeable to the common eye. But as the events progress and she is tabbed with one of the most difficult decisions of her life, Precious affirms that she is no longer a child, but a woman who has grown to understand and accept her horrific life. She is mature, and for her mother, it is the worst attribute she could have discovered.

Speaking of which, Mo'Nique, fresh off her role in Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, gives the performance of her career as Mary, Precious' crude and demeaning mother. Frustrated with her own gruesome life, Mary is determined to wreck havoc on her daughter, giving her grief as she emotionally and physically abused the one she occasionally calls her own. Her attitude and tone speak volumes as Mo'Nique successfully makes the transformation from comedy to drama, earning respect as a multi-dimensional actress.

Behind the camera, Lee Daniels is able to grasp the inner-emotions of a troubled teen and her strive for success. The job isn't easy, especially when dealing with such a sensitive subject, but somehow, Daniels is able to accomplish it with ease. His eye for shot selection is truly mesmerizing as he personifies every emotion, putting it front and center for all to see.

As the picture fades to black and the credits begin to role, a upsetting sense of failure creeps into your mind and soul. For not only does the film not truly resolve its lead problem, but it offers no pathway to a solution. Though this helps give the film a sense or reality, it is the picture's lone demise (if there must be one). For during the entire movie, audience members await some sort of revelation; a series of events that will show that things can turn out okay. Unfortunately, that scene never comes, leaving us all to sit and wonder just how messed up this world has become.