Review of Tyler Perry's 'Straw': A Thriller Featuring Taraji P. Henson and Teyana Taylor on Netflix

In Tyler Perry's recent film 'Straw', Taraji P. Henson portrays Janiyah Watkinson, a single mother entangled in a dire sequence of events that escalate rapidly. The film opens with Janiyah's daughter, Aria, played by Gabrielle Jackson, facing public shaming at school over unpaid lunch debts. The day spirals further as Janiyah contends with eviction threats and workplace conflicts. At her job, Janiyah's request for an advance on her paycheck leads to a confrontation with her boss, Richard, and a subsequent robbery that turns violent. In a desperate bid to protect her daughter's seizure medication, Janiyah ends up shooting one of the robbers and, in a tragic turn, her boss. Fleeing the scene with her paycheck, she enters a bank, setting off a tense hostage situation. The narrative, while melodramatic, is propelled by strong performances, particularly from Henson, who adds depth to her character's fraught circumstances. Teyana Taylor plays Detective Raymond, a police officer who empathizes deeply with Janiyah's plight, understanding the systemic failures that have pushed her to the brink. The film, though critiqued for its heavy-handed metaphors and predictable plot, nonetheless offers a poignant look at the challenges faced by single mothers in society. 'Straw' marks a return to Perry's thematic roots after exploring historical dramas, highlighting the personal crises that drive individuals to extreme actions.