“Tyler Perry’s Straw"

Tyler Perry’s Straw, released on Netflix on June 6, 2025, is a crime drama film written, directed and produced by Tyler Perry, starring Taraji P. Henson as . The film revolves around a tragic day of Janiyah - a single mother taking care of her sick daughter Aria. It seems that everything in her life is falling apart: from losing her job, owing money, having her car repossessed to the scene of the government intervening to take her child.

 The development becomes dramatic when Janiyah - in desperation - accidentally becomes the center of a "bank robbery". Her act of pulling out a gun stems from a tense situation when she cannot withdraw money due to lack of documents, causing the incident to quickly escalate into a confrontation with the police. During that time, she forms an unexpected bond with bank employee Nicole (Sherri Shepherd) and police investigator Detective Raymond (Teyana Taylor) – who both show empathy and depth.

The film's biggest turning point comes when the truth is revealed that Aria died of a seizure the night before and for the rest of the day she is only an image in Janiyah's grieving mind – a twist that leaves viewers choked. In the end, Janiyah is not shot but voluntarily surrenders with the support of those around her, showing the path from utter despair to hope and salvation. The film opens up many social topics worth pondering: the pressure to make a living, the unjust health and social welfare system, and the single mother suffering in silence.

Although criticized by some critics as being “too dramatic” or “a bit speculative in its handling of the twist”, Taraji P. Henson’s performance is considered the emotional focal point, surpassing the script, which was praised as “very touching” and “haunting” respectively. In addition, the film also has the impressive return of comedian Sinbad, returning for the first time after a stroke in 2020 – a beautiful image of strong will, praised by Tyler Perry himself. In addition, the quick filming process (Taraji completed the main role in just 4 days) shows the tight and effective working style of the crew.

 Straw is a work that bears the mark of Tyler Perry: rich in emotions, deeply humane society, but sometimes clumsy in terms of cinema. The film conveys the message that sometimes just a “glare” from fate, a bad day, can turn an ordinary person into an outlaw. But in the end, it is the spirit of empathy and human connection that pulls her back from the abyss. With Taraji’s calm yet powerful performance and the companionship of the surrounding characters, Straw brings a valuable story about a person’s “last drop” and the power of empathy.