Straw

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.

Taraji p. Henson earned every dollar on this project - she acted her heart out and truly carried the film. The writing still has that signature tyler perry cringe we've all come to expect, but this time it's handled with a bit more finesse and a noticeable step up in overall quality. Honestly, this is the best story he's written in a long while. The pacing kept me engaged, and the twist was genuinely unexpected - it caught me off guard in the best way. I really appreciated how everything wrapped up in the conclusion. If you're hesitant, i say give it a shot. It's worth watching and delivers a solid experience.

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.

Tyler Perry's Straw is an emotional knockout. It's a raw, honest look at how people carry silent pain until something small becomes the breaking point. Taraji P. Henson is phenomenal as always-her performance is layered and deeply moving. Sherri Shepherd is the real surprise here. She is absolutely amazing, bringing heart and depth that lingers long after the credits roll. This film reminds us that everyone's struggle looks different, and sometimes it only takes one moment to unravel it all. It has the heart and weight of an early 2000s classic. The only thing that keeps it from fully landing in that space is the cinematography. While it gets the job done, it doesn't elevate the story the way it could. Tyler has worked with this DP before, and I'd really like to see a stronger visual approach next time to match the caliber of the performances and script. Still, Straw is one of Perry's most honest and powerful films to date.

Some will not understand or relate. The acting was great. Ms. Henson did what she was asked to do. I applaud her. She played with the knowledge of a true artist. Tyler Perry got the right person for his vision. I've been watching her make the rounds on different talk shows and platforms to promote this movie, but I had no idea I would enjoy it as much as I did. I highly recommend this movie. It is fantastic. I can't wait to see what my family and others think of her performance. Tariji made every dime she's being paid for this one. I've been watching her for a long time, she knows her craft.

Congratulations.