🎬 Straw (2025) Review – Taraji P. Henson Leads a Tense, Thought‑Provoking Netflix Thriller
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Director/Writer: Tyler Perry
Stars: Taraji P. Henson, Sherri Shepherd, Teyana Taylor
Platform: Netflix (Released June 6, 2025)
Runtime: 105 minutes | Rating: TV‑MA
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🌟 Introduction
ج In Straw, Tyler Perry delivers one of his strongest Netflix originals yet—anchored by a powerhouse performance from Taraji P. Henson. This tense drama centers on Janiyah, a single mother forced into a desperate situation when a bank refuses to cash a vital paycheck. What starts as a day‑in‑the‑life story spirals into a riveting hostage crisis that explores family, dignity, and societal breakdown .
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🧩 Plot Overview
On her daughter’s last day of treatment, Janiyah rushes to the bank with her final paycheck—only to be denied access. Feeling cornered, she takes drastic action, initiating a tense standoff inside the bank. As demands escalate, so do emotional stakes. A teller begins to empathize, while Detective Raymond (Teyana Taylor) negotiates from the outside. The film asks: how far would you go when you have no choice?
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🎥 Performances & Direction
Taraji P. Henson delivers a raw, nuanced portrayal—vulnerable yet resolute.
Sherri Shepherd humanizes the crisis as a compassionate teller.
Teyana Taylor offers emotional clarity as the negotiator trying to de-escalate.
Tyler Perry, both writer and director, uses tight pacing and confined settings to build claustrophobia and empathy—evident in his strongest work on the platform .
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⚖️ Strengths vs Weaknesses
✅ Strengths ❌ Weaknesses
Powerful lead performance Some may find the premise too extreme
Tight, suspenseful pacing Character arcs are narrowly drawn
Relatable, socially‑relevant themes Limited exploration beyond central crisis
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🎯 Audience Fit
✅ Watch it if you like:
One-take‑style thrillers and hostage dramas
Emotionally loaded central performances
Socially conscious, character-focused storytelling
🚫 Skip if you prefer:
Action-driven blockbusters
Multi‑threaded ensemble narratives
Light escapism
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