Is Precious Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Precious is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 110 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Precious Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2009, Precious emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of In Harlem in 1987, Claireece "Precious" Jones is a 16-year-old African American girl born into a life no one would want. Unlike standard genre fare, Precious attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Precious features a noteworthy lineup led by Gabourey Sidibe . Supported by the likes of Mo'Nique and Paula Patton , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Precious (2009) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.3/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Precious Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Precious is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. In Harlem in 1987, Claireece "Precious" Jones is a 16-year-old African American girl born into a life no one would want. She's pregnant for the second time by her absent father, and at home she must wait hand and foot on her mother, an angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is chaotic and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and a secret – she can't read. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Precious Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Precious resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Precious reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Precious?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Precious Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $10.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $47.5M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Precious Budget
The estimated production budget for Precious is $10.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Precious
- Gabourey Sidibe – Precious
- Mo'Nique – Mary
- Paula Patton – Ms. Rain
- Mariah Carey – Ms. Weiss
- Sherri Shepherd – Cornrows
Top Highlights
Gabourey SidibePrecious
Mo'NiqueMary
Paula PattonMs. Rain
Mariah CareyMs. Weiss
Sherri ShepherdCornrows
Lenny KravitzNurse John
Stephanie AndujarRita
Chyna LayneRhonda
Amina RobinsonJermaine
Xosha RoquemoreJoann
Where to Watch Precious Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MovieSphere+ Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Precious is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.3/10, and global collection metrics, Precious stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2009 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Precious movie hit or flop?
Precious is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.3/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama movies.
Is Precious worth watching?
Yes, Precious is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama cinema.
Where can I watch Precious online?
Precious is currently available for streaming on MovieSphere+ Amazon Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like MovieSphere+ Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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How Precious Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Precious
This is kind of a rough movie to watch. A very victimized and bullied teen tries to get through life. It ends on a fairly positive note but damn. Incest babies is just a weird, skin crawling topic for me so that is always going to be rough to go through.
Towards the tail end of the 1980s, "Precious" (Gabourey Sidibe) is feeling anything but. Intimidated by her angry, petty criminal, mother "Mary" (Mo'Nique) whilst expecting her second child by her own father. She's 16, big, black and constantly bullied - with little chance of that cycle improving amidst a community that isn't looking for any new problems. Sometimes the only solace this girl can take is when she imagines herself living a more glamorous, escapist, lifestyle - but those are merely momentary escapes from her tough urban existence. There might be a blessing from her latest pregnancy, though, as the school principal sees it as an opportunity to transfer her to a school where she might actually get some attention, feel more included and make some new friends. It's that evolving characterisation that the young Sidibe delvers potently here as she gradually begins to feel a little more empowered, finds some inner strength and courage and maybe even starts to see a corner she can turn. There's also something to be said for the less frequent but still quote powerful contributions of Mo'Nique as a mother whom, as the narrative develops, might not be so drastically different from her daughter and who is quite possibly just as lost and out of her depth. It's a film about appreciating self-worth more than anything, and though this particular scenario also adds racial tensions and a great deal of frustration and hopelessness, it isn't without a degree of optimism if the spirit is there - and it gets a little timely help now and again. It's a solid indictment of one-size-fits-all educational politics and proves that teaching is most definitely a vocation that requires vision, patience and understanding. There's an all-star cast to spot if you want, but they aren't really needed, it's all about these two women at the top of their game.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
