Tyler Perry’s new Netflix film, Straw, has gotten people talking—and for good reason. It tells the heartbreaking and powerful story of a woman who’s had enough of being pushed around by life. With strong acting, deep emotions, and social issues we can all relate to, Straw is a movie that hits hard and stays with you long after it ends.
Let’s break down what this movie is about, what makes it special, and why so many people are calling it Tyler Perry’s best work yet.
🎬 What Is Straw About?
The movie follows Janiyah, a single mother played by Taraji P. Henson, who is having the worst day of her life. She’s broke, her job isn’t paying her what she’s owed, her daughter is sick, and the government is threatening to take her child away. On top of all that, her car is towed, and she gets fired.
With nothing left to lose, she walks into a bank to cash her final paycheck—only for things to spiral into a hostage situation. But this isn’t just a crime story. It’s about a woman who’s been pushed to her limit by a system that keeps failing her.
🌟 Why Everyone Is Talking About This Movie
1. Taraji P. Henson Is Brilliant
Taraji’s performance is the heart of this film. She shows us the pain, fear, and frustration of a mother just trying to survive. You feel every tear, every scream, every moment of desperation. People online are already saying she deserves an Oscar for this role—and they’re not wrong.
2. A Real Story Many Can Relate To
Straw feels real. It shows the daily struggles of many people—especially single mothers trying to provide for their children. From low wages to housing issues and unfair systems, the movie reflects the harsh reality many face, especially in Black communities.
🧍♀️ Other Strong Characters
- Sherri Shepherd plays the bank manager who slowly starts to understand Janiyah’s pain.
- Teyana Taylor is the police negotiator, showing both strength and compassion.
- Other characters like the security guard, the police chief, and fellow hostages all play important roles in the story.
Everyone in the film feels real and adds something important to the emotional weight of the movie.
⚖️ What Themes Does the Movie Explore?
Here are some of the big messages the movie tackles:
💸 Poverty and Financial Stress
Janiyah is broke. Like many people, she lives paycheck to paycheck. One small setback—like a broken-down car or missed work—can destroy everything.
🏠 Housing Problems
Eviction is a big fear for Janiyah, and it’s one many people share. The film shows how hard it is to find help when you’re just trying to stay in your home.
🧒 Child Services and Family Struggles
One of the most painful moments in the movie is when child services threatens to take Janiyah’s daughter away. This highlights how the system often punishes poor parents instead of helping them.
👩👩👧👦 Sisterhood and Support
Despite all the chaos, the movie shows how women support each other. Inside the bank, women come together to understand and stand by Janiyah in her moment of crisis.
😢 Be Ready to Cry
This isn’t a happy movie—but it’s a powerful one. Viewers have said it made them cry, feel angry, and even feel inspired. It’s emotionally heavy, but also hopeful. You walk away thinking about what people go through in silence and how much strength it takes just to survive.
📉 What Didn’t Work So Well?
Like most Tyler Perry movies, Straw has its flaws:
- Some parts feel unrealistic. The way the story moves—from Janiyah’s car problems to a full bank siege—happens a bit too fast.
- The drama is over the top at times. Some critics say it feels more like a soap opera in a few scenes.
- Predictable moments. A few parts of the story feel like we’ve seen them before in other Perry movies.
Still, most people agree that the message and emotion of the movie make up for these issues.
💬 What Are People Saying?
Social media has blown up with reactions to Straw. Here’s what fans are saying:
“Taraji deserves an Oscar for this. I cried like a baby.”
“This movie is so real. Every single mother out there will feel this.”
“The plot twist was insane. Tyler Perry really did something here.”
On platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook, people are recommending the movie and praising how it shines a light on real-life struggles.
🎥 What Do the Critics Think?
Reviews from major sites are mixed, but most agree that Taraji’s acting is incredible.
| Site/Source | Opinion |
|---|---|
| Entertainment Weekly | Strong acting, weak story at times |
| Washington Post | Important message, but a bit too dramatic |
| The Guardian | Powerful lead role, but needs tighter writing |
| Rotten Tomatoes | Around 75–80% audience score |
So, while some critics focus on the story’s flaws, almost everyone agrees it’s worth watching for the emotional impact and performances.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Is Straw Worth Watching?
Yes, it is.
If you like emotional dramas that show real-life problems, you should watch Straw. It’s the kind of movie that stays with you, especially if you’ve ever struggled with money, family, or just trying to make it in life.
It may not be perfect, but it’s powerful. And Taraji P. Henson? She absolutely kills it.
📝 HotFrom9ja’s Score: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Amazing acting
- Strong emotional story
- A bit dramatic at times
- Still highly recommended
📢 What Can We Learn From Straw?
- Be kind—you never know what someone is going through.
- Support systems matter.
- Many people are just one bad day away from breaking down.
- We need to fix the systems that are failing poor families.
👀 Where to Watch
You can stream Straw on Netflix right now. Grab your tissues and get ready for a ride full of emotion.
If you liked this review, share it with your friends and let us know what you think about the movie in the comments!
