It is fair to say that Oscar season has arrived in full force with the release of Director Lee Daniel’s profoundly powerful film “Precious: Based on the novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire.” The film challenges its audience, repulses them at times, but ultimately manages to inspire hope in a world that at once seemed void of any shred of humanity. With the support of superstar Oprah Winfrey and actor and director Tyler Perry, serving as executive producers, “Precious” finally acquires its chance to shine in multiplexes around world.

The film is told through the eyes of Claireece “Precious” Jones (played with a quiet confidence by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe) who is an obese, illiterate, African-American teenager living in Harlem of New York City. She is unwillingly pregnant for the second time by her father, barely able to speak, and enclosed in a world of unflinching misery. Now that may seem like a lot of issues to tackle for just one film. However, in Daniels hands, he film manages to examine all of these ideas with the upmost maturity, creativity, and depth. With that said, the film does not shy away from the more grim aspects its harrowing narrative.

Precious endures immense cruelty, both physically and emotionally, at the hands of her unemployed and self-indulgent mother Mary Jones (Mo’Nique). If Mary is not disgracing Precious for being overweight, she is tossing television sets and frying pans in her direction, conveying her dissatisfaction with her own life. Kicked out of school for being pregnant, Precious is sent to an alternative school. It is here that she finds the confidence to learn and express herself with the support of her radiant and compassionate teacher Blu Rain (Paula Patton). Ms. Rain, along with a sympathetic social worker named Ms. Weiss (Mariah Carey), see past Precious’s somber withdraws and push her to succeed. For such a troubled soul, Precious finds it in herself to take control of the life so many attempted to sabotage.

“Precious” is an astonishing and remarkably powerful work of art. The film serves as an enthralling social drama about the grisly nature of child abuse. While covering some rather bleak territories, Daniels manages to incorporate colorful sequences of fantasy, warm-hearted dialogue, and emotional confrontations that scream “Oscar-worthy.” The film obtains considerable weight from its performances. Most notably, as Precious’s abusive mother, comedian Mo’Nique is downright exhilarating, crafting a character so haunting and unsettling, audiences will not be able to shake it. While the film is not for the faint of heart, it illustrates the power of the human spirit and will surely earn its place among this year's contenders for best picture.