Tyler Perry dials up the intensity in our Straw review, a gritty, genre-blending character study that puts Taraji P. Henson front and center in what might be one of the most emotionally resonant performances of her career. Set over the course of a single, catastrophic day, this Netflix original unpacks the quiet desperation of those society overlooks and what happens when they finally snap.
Straw Review: The Good
Taraji P. Henson gives a performance that should have awards season shaking in its boots. From her first moments on screen as Janiyah, a single mother just trying to cash a check and keep her sick daughter safe, Henson drips raw, palpable stress. By the time she finds herself in the middle of an accidental hostage situation, the tension has been simmering so long that every twitch of her face feels like an earthquake.
“Henson carries this film like a ticking time bomb wrapped in heartbreak.”
This is Perry at his most mature and layered. Gone are the melodramatic swings of his earlier work; Straw is all grit and realism, with a surprising emotional twist that recontextualizes everything. “Tyler Perry evolves here not just telling stories, but orchestrating a slow-burn thriller with something to say.” The film’s structure blends thriller, social commentary, and human drama in a way that feels both lived-in and fresh.
The supporting cast is equally strong. Sherri Shepherd brings warmth and weariness as Nicole, a bank manager who wants to help but is trapped by policy and protocol. Teyana Taylor’s Detective Raymond might be the most empathetic cop in a Perry film to date “Taylor brings a grounded strength to her role, and her quiet compassion leaves a lasting mark.”
And then there’s the writing. “She’s just trying to survive. Just trying to be a good mother,” Janiyah says in one devastating moment. Perry gives his lead room to breathe and burn, layering in sharp commentary about how society turns a blind eye to the Black women it depends on most.
Visually, Straw also impresses. The film keeps things grounded, often tight on Janiyah’s face or hand-held in its chaos, reinforcing the suffocating nature of her situation. The pacing, while methodical, mirrors the character’s descent into emotional exhaustion.
Straw Review: The Bad
The film does sometimes lean into extremes. Nearly every character Janiyah meets is either angelic or outright demonic. The kind-hearted community members like Sinbad’s Benny border on saintly, while others, like the snappy-fingered FBI agent, feel like cartoon villains. At times, the binary morality robs the story of some needed complexity.
Also, while Perry’s growth as a storyteller is evident, some plot points still strain believability. One key moment involving Janiyah and a bank manager pushes the audience’s ability to empathize to the brink. It’s understandable, but barely.
There’s also the tonal tightrope. Perry walks it well most of the time, but the film occasionally fumbles when shifting between suspense and sentiment. And that final twist, while effective, might not land with every viewer; it asks a lot, emotionally and narratively.
Final Thoughts
“Straw is Tyler Perry’s boldest swing yet, a raw, resonant drama that demands you feel every second of its ticking clock.” With Straw, Perry reminds us that storytelling isn’t just entertainment it’s empathy. Anchored by an extraordinary Taraji P. Henson and backed by a strong ensemble, the film leaves you emotionally bruised, reflective, and unexpectedly hopeful.
It’s not perfect, but it’s powerful. And if you’re someone who’s ever been one bad day away from breaking, Straw will feel personal.
