Straw isn’t subtle, but it’s rarely dull. Tyler Perry’s Netflix thriller sets up a high-stakes hostage scenario and lets Taraji P. Henson tear through it with raw, tightly coiled energy. As Janiyah, a mother pushed to the brink, she brings a fierce urgency that carries the film on her back.
The script? Ambitious. At times, admirably so. It threads issues of class, trauma, broken systems, and maternal desperation, mostly effectively, but occasionally with the finesse of a kitchen sink. It’s not that it’s poorly written; it just tries to juggle a bit too much without letting certain moments breathe.
Sherri Shepherd adds warmth and grounding as a sympathetic hostage, while Teyana Taylor is a standout as the composed negotiator. The tension builds well, but the third act veers into twist-heavy territory that feels more clever than necessary.
Visually, the film nails the claustrophobia. Close-ups, flickering livestreams, rain-lashed windows… Perry keeps it tight and tense. But a few script pivots might’ve sharpened the impact.
Verdict:
Straw is compelling, driven, and anchored by a superb lead. It’s just not always as cleanly told as it wants to be. A gripping 7/10: smart, emotional, but a bit overpacked.
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