Straw follows Janiyah through a day that becomes an emotional avalanche. Job loss, housing insecurity and humiliation accumulate until an already vulnerable single mother can barely continue. Tyler Perry does not approach the situation delicately, but Taraji P. Henson gives that bluntness tremendous force.
Henson's performance is raw, angry and exhausted. She makes the struggle visible in each scene, showing someone resisting external pressures while trying not to break internally. The film can be difficult to watch because her distress feels immediate.
The bank crisis that develops is rooted in desperation rather than the pleasures of a conventional robbery thriller. Teyana Taylor's police officer and Sherri Shepherd's bank manager bring determination and empathy to the situation. Their responses supply an important human counterweight to the pressure surrounding Janiyah.
Poverty, racism and mental health are presented openly. Perry is sometimes too emphatic, but his central point lands: being poor can mean a succession of obstacles and indignities with no safety net. The late revelation makes the experience more painful for me rather than functioning as an empty trick. I will leave its details out here.
Visually, the film is less remarkable. Close-ups, restless camera movement and some heavily dramatic editing can feel excessive. They nevertheless suit a story intended to expose wounds rather than politely suggest them.
I give Straw 3 out of 5 stars. It is imperfect and often very direct, but willing to deal with uncomfortable material. Henson's performance is the decisive reason to watch. This is not something I would put on casually in the background: its anger and distress ask for attention.