Released on June 6, 2025, Straw is Tyler Perry’s latest psychological crime drama, streaming exclusively on Netflix. Written, directed, and produced by Perry, the film has quickly climbed to the top of Netflix’s charts, resonating with audiences through its raw emotional intensity and a powerhouse performance by Taraji P. Henson. While critics remain divided, the film’s strong audience reception, with a 78% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes, signals a notable achievement in Perry’s prolific career.
A Story of Breaking Points Straw follows Janiyah Wiltkinson (Taraji P. Henson), a single mother in Atlanta grappling with overwhelming challenges. Caring for her chronically ill daughter, Aria (Gabrielle Jackson), Janiyah faces a cascade of misfortunes in a single, devastating day. From a school lunch debt that threatens public humiliation for her daughter to job loss, eviction threats, and an encounter with Child Protective Services, Janiyah’s life unravels rapidly. Pushed to her breaking point, she finds herself entangled in an unintended bank robbery, mistaken for a hostage crisis that captures the city’s attention.
The film explores themes of maternal mental health, systemic oppression, and human resilience, with Perry emphasizing the shared struggles of Black women through three central characters: Janiyah, bank manager Nicole Parker (Sherri Shepherd), and Detective Kay Raymond (Teyana Taylor). Perry describes these women as representing “different walks of life, different stages of success, but [who] can all empathize with each other.” This empathetic thread, coupled with the film’s intense narrative, strikes a chord with viewers, many of whom have shared emotional reactions on X, describing the film as “heartbreaking” and “humbling.”
Taraji P. Henson’s Awards-Worthy Performance
At the heart of Straw is Taraji P. Henson’s riveting portrayal of Janiyah. Critics and audiences alike have praised her gut-wrenching intensity, particularly in a standout monologue where she lays bare her character’s despair. The Guardian notes that Henson “rises above” the film’s flaws, delivering a “powerhouse performance” that makes the movie worth watching despite its melodramatic tendencies. ScreenRant calls her work an “acting masterclass,” highlighting her ability to carry the film even when the script falters. Fans on X have echoed this sentiment, with some calling for Oscar recognition for Henson’s role.
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Supporting performances by Sherri Shepherd and Teyana Taylor also shine. Shepherd’s Nicole is a beacon of empathy, transforming from a supporting character into a symbol of compassion as she connects with Janiyah’s plight. Taylor’s Detective Raymond, a Black woman on the police force, brings nuance to the story, understanding Janiyah’s pain in a way her colleagues cannot. The ensemble is rounded out by notable actors like Glynn Turman, Sinbad, Rockmond Dunbar, and Mike Merrill, adding depth to the film’s emotional landscape.
A Divisive Yet Impactful Narrative
Critics have mixed feelings about Straw. While some, like Variety, commend its “cultural pulse-taking urgency” and “cathartic power,” others criticize its heavy-handed messaging and predictable plotting. ScreenRant points out that the film’s setup feels “forced” and “too predictable,” with an ending that undercuts its tension. The Guardian goes further, accusing Perry of perpetuating “misogynoir” by centering Black women’s trauma, a critique that has followed the filmmaker throughout his career.
Yet, even detractors acknowledge the film’s emotional impact, with The New York Times describing it as a “very, very, very bad day” brought to life by strong performances.
Audience reactions, however, tell a different story. On X, viewers have called Straw “phenomenal” and “absolutely heartbreaking,” with many relating to Janiyah’s feeling of being “at my last straw.”
One viewer wrote, “Movies don’t make you cry like this these days,” while another admitted to needing a break halfway through due to the film’s intensity. The unexpected plot twist at the end has left fans “devastated” and buzzing with discussion, ensuring Straw lingers in their minds.
Behind the Scenes: A Tight Production
Filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, often dubbed the “Hollywood of the South”—Straw was shot primarily at Tyler Perry Studios, utilizing its expansive soundstages for interior scenes like those at the fictional Benevolent Bank and Trust. The production was notably swift, reportedly completed in just four days, with Henson juggling this project alongside her Peacock series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist. This tight timeline, while impressive, has drawn criticism for the film’s occasionally rushed pacing and visual shortcomings, with some reviewers noting that it “looked” subpar.
Straw is not based on a true story but draws inspiration from real-life experiences, as Perry has shared. The film’s exploration of mental health and systemic barriers resonates universally, with Henson noting that it reflects the struggles of single mothers and marginalized communities. “We’re all human, we all bleed, we all have our personal traumas,” she said in an interview with Netflix’s Tudum. The film’s call for kindness and empathy has struck a chord, making it a potent addition to Perry’s filmography.
Despite its flaws, Straw marks a high point in Perry’s Netflix partnership, outperforming recent releases like Duplicity (25% on Rotten Tomatoes) and earning praise as one of his strongest films since his 2023 first-look deal with the streamer. Its blend of thriller elements, emotional depth, and a star-studded cast makes it a must-watch for fans of Perry’s melodramas and those seeking a story that confronts harsh realities with heart.
Straw is streaming now on Netflix, inviting viewers to witness Janiyah’s desperate journey and reflect on the breaking points we all face. Whether you’re drawn to Henson’s stellar performance or the film’s unflinching look at societal pressures, Straw is a conversation starter that’s hard to forget.
