Precious (2009)

Update: Precious is no longer on Showmax. Find your next binge in the full movies catalogue here.

Based on the novel Push, this Academy and Golden Globe Award winner tells the story of an overweight, illiterate teen from Harlem who’s pregnant with her second child, the result of abuse by her now-absent father.

Her high school principal arranges for her to make a fresh start at a new school. With the help of an inspiring teacher and the school social worker, she begins to turn her life around – but her destructive family is just one step behind her.

Precious earned six Oscars nominations, including Best Picture. Mo’Nique won the award for Best Supporting Actress for playing Precious’s unemployed and uncaring mother, while Geoffrey Fletcher became the first African-American to win an Oscar for best screenplay. Gabourey Sibide was also roundly applauded for her performance, despite having no prior acting experience.