Genre: Drama, thriller
Straw, the latest offering from Tyler Perry, has strong leads and a gripping plot, based on the realities of systemic inequality, but the strength of the story is diluted by hasty production.
Taraji P Henson stars as Janiyah Wiltkinson, a single mother caring for her chronically ill daughter while juggling two jobs and receiving little financial and emotional support. The film takes place over the course of a single, chaotic day in which Janiyah tries to cash her paycheck.
What begins as a simple banking error spirals into a tense hostage situation, as Janiyah’s mental and emotional state, already frayed, totally unravels.
The story is sadly relatable for many people, as it casts a light on the everyday struggles of those trapped in poverty, no matter how hard they work to escape it. A striking moment comes when one of the hostages, empathising with Janiyah, says: “People don’t know how expensive it is to be poor.”
In terms of storytelling, Straw shines in its portrayal of the realities facing poor black women, especially single mothers without a safety net.
Henson delivers a powerful performance, carrying the emotional weight of the film with authenticity and deep emotion. She is supported by Teyana Taylor and Sherri Shepherd, who play an empathetic police negotiator and a compassionate bank manager, respectively. Their characters reflect the humanity and understanding that Janiyah so desperately needs.
However, this is still a Tyler Perry film, which means there are familiar flaws. Perry’s tendency to rush production (Straw was reportedly shot in just four days) has once again resulted in clear plot holes in the story. While the film begins with depth and emotional urgency, the final act unfortunately falls apart.
The plot twist isn’t entirely unbelievable, but it’s poorly executed and feels rushed. There are too many unresolved plot points and inconsistencies that the twist doesn’t account for, leaving the audience confused rather than surprised.
Perry has the resources and talent pool to produce high-quality films that explore a wider range of black experiences, yet he seems committed to recycling the same premise: Black women in pain. While there’s truth and value in those stories, the formula is growing tired, especially when paired with underdeveloped endings.
Perry’s work continues to resonate with viewers who see their own stories reflected on screen, which means despite how bad the films are, he will always have an audience.
Straw is now streaming on Netflix.
