Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire

In those and other scenes, the movie’s central struggle is between Precious’s self-doubt and the adults who refuse to give up on her. Oddly, they are all played by light-skinned actors: Paula Patton as the program’s tireless teacher, Ms. Rain; Lenny Kravitz, as a bohemian nurse; and a very good, very human-looking Mariah Carey, who bites down hard on her role as a social worker. It’s the old problem of complexion, but Daniels seems loosely aware of it. When Mary arrives to make her unfathomable apology to Precious, her face is coated with white powder. Who is she trying to fool?

From the center of all this tempestuousness, Gabourey Sidibe wrests control of the movie. Sidibe, who is 26 and hadn’t acted before, landed the part after an open casting call. And the surprise of her performance is how alive it is given the deadening nature of what her character endures. A vivid personality emerges, and what seemed like strategic restraint on Sidibe’s part turns out to be indomitable strength.

In another movie - one we don’t need to see again - Precious would be playing for that life-saving football scholarship. A talent scout would hear her sing. Or Richard Gere would come along and hire her to be his girlfriend. The exhilarating last images in “Precious’’ are of a woman far from the helping hands of Hollywood. She’s determined to save herself.

Wesley Morris can be reached at wmorris@globe.com.