Introducing “Tyler Perry’s Straw” – A Gripping Psychological Crime Drama

“Tyler Perry’s Straw” is an American psychological crime film released on June 6, 2025, on Netflix, written, produced, and directed by Tyler Perry. The movie delivers a thrilling, emotionally charged story about a single mother facing the harsh pressures of life, leading to unexpected and tragic choices. Featuring a stellar cast including Taraji P. Henson, Sherri Shepherd, Teyana Taylor, Sinbad, Rockmond Dunbar, and Glynn Turman, the film quickly captured attention and landed in Netflix’s Top 10 within its first week of release.

Main Plot

“Straw” follows Janiyah Wiltkinson (played by Taraji P. Henson), a single mother living in a rundown Atlanta apartment with her frequently ill daughter, Aria (Gabby Jackson). The film depicts the worst day of Janiyah’s life, as everything seems to conspire against her: she faces eviction for unpaid rent, is denied a salary advance by her boss, endures workplace humiliation, and risks losing custody of her daughter. In a series of dramatic events, Janiyah becomes entangled in a robbery at the convenience store where she works, leading to a dangerous situation at a bank, where she becomes the prime suspect in an unforeseen crime.

The film is not only a tale of desperation but also a profound commentary on social injustices, particularly the pressures faced by Black women in a seemingly indifferent society. The story’s shocking twist at the end reveals a heartbreaking truth about Janiyah and her daughter, forcing viewers to re-evaluate the entire narrative from a new perspecti

Highlights

• Outstanding Performances: Taraji P. Henson delivers an emotionally raw performance, hailed as the “heart” of the film. She masterfully portrays the anguish, anger, and love of a mother pushed to her limits. Sherri Shepherd and Teyana Taylor also shine as a compassionate bank manager and a sharp detective, creating a compelling bond among the three women in the film.
• Powerful Social Message: The film tackles real-world issues such as poverty, racial bias in banking and healthcare systems, and mental health crises. A standout line from a character, “People don’t realize how expensive it is to be poor,” resonates deeply with audiences.
• Thrilling and Unexpected: With a linear structure unfolding over a single day, “Straw” maintains relentless tension, especially in the confrontational bank scenes. The final twist, compared to classics like “Fight Club” or “Dog Day Afternoon”, offers a fresh perspective on the characters’ psychology.
• Music and Cinematography: The score, composed by Dara Taylor, paired with meticulous visuals by cinematographer Justyn Moro and editor Nick Coker, creates a vivid audiovisual experience. Filmed in Atlanta, the authentic settings reflect the struggles of the working class.

Audience and Critical Reception

“Straw” has received mixed reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 50% rating from 22 critics, with some praising Taraji P. Henson’s performance and the social commentary, while others felt Tyler Perry’s script occasionally leaned too heavily into melodrama and lacked subtlety. However, audiences on X have been overwhelmingly positive, calling it one of Perry’s finest works, with posts describing it as keeping them “on the edge of their seats” and “deeply moving.” Notable comments from X include:

• “@Jabu_Macdonald: Taraji P. Henson’s performance is phenomenal, so raw and real. The ending might be Tyler Perry’s best work!”
• “@Jamal_21_: A plot full of surprises, probably Tyler Perry’s best movie to date.”

Why You Should Watch “Straw”

• If you enjoy psychological crime dramas with shocking twists, “Straw” will keep you glued to the screen.
• The film is a powerful emotional journey, especially for those who’ve felt abandoned by society or faced insurmountable struggles.
• The stellar performances, particularly by Taraji P. Henson, make this a must-watch.
• It’s a quintessential Tyler Perry production, blending his signature melodrama with profound social messages, perfect for those seeking both entertainment and deeper meaning.

Additional Information

• Runtime: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Rating: TV-MA
• Language: English (with dubbed and subtitled options in languages like German, Spanish, French, Filipino, and Chinese)
• Production Team: Director, writer, producer – Tyler Perry; Producers – Angi Bones, Tony Strickland; Music – Dara Taylor; Cinematography – Justyn Moro; Editing – Nick Coker
• Where to Watch: Netflix (released June 6, 2025)

Stream “Tyler Perry’s Straw” on Netflix to experience a haunting story of a mother pushed to her breaking point, and ask yourself: “What would be your final straw?”