🎬 Title: Straw
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Platform: Netflix (exclusive release)
Genre: Psychological Thriller / Drama
Rating: TV-MA (Mature Audiences)
Runtime: 108 minutes
🧠 Plot Summary
Straw follows Janiyah Wiltkinson (played by Taraji P. Henson), a single mother living on the brink of collapse. Over the course of a single, harrowing day, her life rapidly unravels under the crushing weight of poverty, societal neglect, and emotional trauma.
Key Story Events:
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Janiyah is behind on rent, overworked, and barely affording her daughter's medication.
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She confronts abusive situations at home, at work, and at her daughter’s school.
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After being fired from her job, she returns to demand her paycheck and, in desperation, pulls out a gun.
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She flees the scene and accidentally finds herself in a bank, which she then holds up to get the money she needs.
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Detective Kay Raymond (Teyana Taylor) is brought in to negotiate.
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Inside the bank, Nicole (Sherri Shepherd), the bank manager, tries to calm the situation by treating Janiyah with compassion.
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The emotional climax comes when it's revealed that Janiyah’s daughter had already died—she was hallucinating her presence throughout the film, making her mental breakdown painfully clear.
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The film ends with Janiyah peacefully surrendering to the authorities.
🎭 Main Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Taraji P. Henson | Janiyah Wiltkinson (lead role) |
| Teyana Taylor | Detective Kay Raymond |
| Sherri Shepherd | Nicole (Bank Manager) |
| Sinbad | Benny, a concerned neighbor |
| Glynn Turman, Rockmond Dunbar, Ashley Versher, Mike Merrill | Supporting roles |
🎬 Behind the Scenes
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Director / Writer / Producer: Tyler Perry
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Music Score: Dara Taylor
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Production Companies: Tyler Perry Studios
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Distributor: Netflix
Perry reportedly wrote the script in a matter of weeks, inspired by real-life news stories about poverty and maternal mental health. He also intended this film to highlight the psychological cost of systemic failure in underserved communities.
🧠 Themes & Social Commentary
Straw deals with:
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Mental Health: A raw portrayal of trauma-induced psychosis.
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Systemic Poverty: How the cycle of debt, low-income jobs, and lack of support crush the working class.
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Motherhood: The sacrifices and emotional toll of single parenthood.
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Policing & Violence: Commentary on how authorities often escalate rather than help.
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Media & Perception: The public’s rush to label people as villains without understanding their story.
🌟 Reception
📈 Viewership
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In its second week, Straw became the #1 movie on Netflix worldwide, racking up 49 million+ views and maintaining top-10 placement across 70+ countries.
📰 Critical Response
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Praises:
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Taraji P. Henson's performance called "career-defining" and "Oscar-worthy."
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Realistic portrayal of emotional and economic despair.
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Teyana Taylor and Sherri Shepherd praised for their strong supporting roles.
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Criticisms:
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Some said the pacing was uneven and melodramatic at times.
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Others found Perry’s script heavy-handed in delivering its message.
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🗣️ Audience Reactions
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Emotional reactions flooded social media: viewers cried, reflected, and discussed.
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Some described the twist as “gut-wrenching” and “the best Perry has ever written.”
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Others advocated for awards recognition, especially for Henson.
🎥 Cinematography & Direction
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Perry used tight close-ups to enhance the psychological tension.
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Most of the film is shot in a single day, adding real-time intensity.
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The soundtrack by Dara Taylor uses minimalist piano and ambient sound to create emotional pressure.
🏆 Awards Potential
Though awards season hasn’t arrived yet, early buzz suggests:
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Best Actress (Taraji P. Henson) — strong contender
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Original Screenplay (Tyler Perry) — possible nomination
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Supporting Actress (Sherri Shepherd) — long shot but praised
🧩 Easter Eggs & Trivia
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The name Straw refers to the phrase “the last straw” — the breaking point of a person under pressure.
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Sinbad’s appearance marks his return to screen after years of health struggles — a touching comeback.
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The imaginary presence of Janiyah’s daughter was hidden subtly (she doesn’t interact with other characters).
✅ Final Verdict
Straw is a raw, emotional, socially relevant film that represents some of Tyler Perry’s best storytelling to date. While it's emotionally heavy and occasionally flawed in structure, it's a must-watch for those interested in character-driven dramas with a powerful message.