À bout

Turned on Netflix, new release and started watching while doing tasks... 5 min into movie I had to sit and watch. The emotional journey for the character- Mom Janiyah, grips your heart and as you're watching the story be told- you realize you're rooting for her to not be alone and be okay. This story, the characters were all developed with complexity that each actor reflected so well- I didn't feel I was watching a movie but I felt apart of the story right up to the credits at end. Thank you for a well written story, talented actors and production that made 2 hrs worth watching- it's been a long time since I felt anything from a movie.

I gave Straw a try because of all the hype and, admittedly, because Taraji P. Henson is a phenomenal actress and to her credit, she delivered a strong, committed performance. Unfortunately, that's where the praise ends.

Like many of Tyler Perry's films, Straw falls into the same tired formula: a struggling single mother, dramatic twists that defy basic logic, and a storyline that leans heavily on stereotypes rather than fresh storytelling. The plot was not only predictable, but at times completely unrealistic, even bordering on absurd.

It's disappointing, especially considering the platform and influence Tyler Perry has. There's a clear opportunity to tell deeper, more nuanced stories, especially about Black women, that doesn't rely on trauma, caricatures, or recycled plotlines. But once again, that opportunity is missed.

Let's be honest: aside from Henson's solid acting, this was a painfully poor film. We need to be more open and objective when discussing these movies. Hype doesn't equal quality, and it's okay to say it: Tyler Perry's films consistently falls short.

WOW. I've never had a movie genuinely almost make me cry. At the beginning I felt the main characters emotions we it they eer my own and sympathized with her. The twist at the end was something I that genuinely had my jaw DROP and feel as if I was about to start crying. The only thing preventing me from giving it a 10 star is the ending, despite it being a confusing at first it's something I eventually understood. This is the perfect "Monsters aren't born, they're made." Type of movie that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Another banger my Tyler Perry, I love movies like this. If you like suspense based movies revolving around the "bad guy," you'll ADORE this.

I've never seen a Tyler Perry movie before, but this is certainly not what I expected! The movie is absolutely heart-wrenching, with devastatingly emotional performances by Taraji P. Henson and the other actresses. Some of the side characters felt a little off, but not so much as to take away from the main story.

The movie is labelled as a thriller, but it feels more like a horror movie where the villain is America and its many oppressive systems that compound to make life difficult for everyday people.

The movie did feel a little too long at times, with certain elements dragging on unnecessarily long. The twist at the end was unexpected, but welcome, as it added another layer to the main character's actions and led me to revisit some early moments in the movie with a new perspective.

Overall, I thought it was very good, and I would recommend it.

Taraji's acting is superb - as it always is - but this movie seems beneath her. Most of the movie - except for the reveal at the end - felt like one of those Dhar Mann films on Facebook.

The supporting characters were terrible, the plot was unbelievable, and it felt like a cheap attempt at a difficult and nuanced topic. I could not believe the lack of understanding the script had for law enforcement processes.

I have not seen much of Tyler Perry's recent movies, but if this is the level of his films these days, then that is truly disappointing and someone needs to save Taraji from his projects.