Taraji P. Henson stars in Tyler Perry’s latest film, Straw, as Janiyah Watkinson, a single mother struggling to make ends meet. The movie follows Janiyah as she faces a series of misfortunes, including a run-in with her landlord and a confrontation with her boss at work. Things take a deadly turn when she is robbed by masked gunmen, leading to a violent confrontation that puts her life in danger.
Henson brings depth and complexity to the character, imbuing her with genuine pathos despite the film’s heavy-handed metaphors and strained drama. The movie explores themes of desperation, poverty, and the struggles faced by single mothers in low-income communities.
The film features a strong supporting cast, including Sherri Shepherd as Nicole, the branch manager at the bank where Janiyah attempts to cash her check. Teyana Taylor plays Detective Raymond, a Black woman on the force who understands Janiyah’s pain and becomes an ally in her time of need.
Despite its flaws, Straw has moments of genuine connection and humor, particularly between Henson, Shepherd, and Taylor. The film’s portrayal of the relationships between three Black women trying to see each other in a world that renders them invisible is a highlight.
With a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes, Straw is a perfunctory but engaging thriller that showcases Henson’s talent as a leading actress.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/straw-review-taraji-p-henson-teyana-taylor-tyler-perry-1236258461