Claireece ‘Precious’ Jones (Gabourey Sidibe) is a 16-year-old African American girl growing up in Harlem, her nickname horribly ironic in that she is unloved and abused by her parents and bullied by the other kids for being overweight.
An outsider unable to express herself, she escapes her nightmarish life through daydreams of becoming a glamorous pop star or model. Kicked out of school for falling pregnant after being raped by her father, she attends an alternative school where a glimmer of hope is provided by her new teacher, who helps her learn to read, write and value herself.
Acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, the film has won awards at Sundance, Toronto and San Sebastián. Based on the best-selling novel Push by Sapphire, it’s a harrowing yet ultimately uplifting story. Look out for Lenny Kravitz and Mariah Carey in key supporting roles.