Straw

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 didnt like the directing quite frankly. I did like the acting though.

But what really kept me thinking is how horrible it is to live in the lowest socio-economic strata for a black single monther. The misery, the lack of basic necessities such as medication, etc. The life on a paycheck to paycheck basis. The agressiveness of people.

Its a horror story that far too many people live daily in the greatest super power in the world. Very depressing.

Its a window to the flaws of american society where dog eats dog and where brutal capitalism means that too little have it all and far too many barely have enough to survive.

I still recomend to watch it, for its realistic approach to life.

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.

Straw isn't subtle, but it's rarely dull. Tyler Perry's Netflix thriller sets up a high-stakes hostage scenario and lets Taraji P. Henson tear through it with raw, tightly coiled energy. As Janiyah, a mother pushed to the brink, she brings a fierce urgency that carries the film on her back.

The script? Ambitious. At times, admirably so. It threads issues of class, trauma, broken systems, and maternal desperation, mostly effectively, but occasionally with the finesse of a kitchen sink. It's not that it's poorly written; it just tries to juggle a bit too much without letting certain moments breathe.

Sherri Shepherd adds warmth and grounding as a sympathetic hostage, while Teyana Taylor is a standout as the composed negotiator. The tension builds well, but the third act veers into twist-heavy territory that feels more clever than necessary.

Visually, the film nails the claustrophobia. Close-ups, flickering livestreams, rain-lashed windows... Perry keeps it tight and tense. But a few script pivots might've sharpened the impact.

Verdict: Straw is compelling, driven, and anchored by a superb lead. It's just not always as cleanly told as it wants to be. A gripping 7/10: smart, emotional, but a bit overpacked.

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.