On June 6, 2025, Netflix premiered Tyler Perry’s latest film, STRAW, a slow-burn psychological thriller that pulls no punches. At the centre of the chaos is Taraji P. Henson, who delivers a raw and haunting performance as Janiyah Wiltkinson, a single mom whose world collapses in just one harrowing day.
With STRAW, Tyler Perry pivots into darker, more emotionally fraught territory. Sure, he still leans on his signature themes, family, faith, and struggle, but this time, it’s all wrapped in a nerve-wracking tale of survival, injustice, and desperation. It’s the kind of story that makes you hold your breath without realising it.
STRAW Plot: One Bad Day That Changes Everything
Janiyah Wiltkinson is just trying to make it through the day. She’s juggling bills, work, and motherhood, barely hanging on. But what begins as another rough morning quickly turns into a nightmare. One misstep leads to another, and before long, she’s caught up in something she never asked for: a crime scene, a police investigation, and a system that’s ready to swallow her whole.
The film begins grounded in domestic reality, missed buses, unpaid rent, and tension at home. Then it slowly unravels into a psychological maze, the tension tightening with every decision Janiyah makes. Tyler Perry doesn’t glamorise her struggle. If anything, he leans into the grit, showing how life can turn on a dime, especially when the odds are already stacked against you.
Underneath the suspense, STRAW is really about emotional weight, the invisible kind women, particularly single mothers, carry every single day. It asks a chilling question: how far can you push someone before they snap?
A Standout Cast Anchored by Taraji P. Henson
Let’s say it, Taraji P. Henson carries this movie. Her performance as Janiyah is vulnerable, fiery, and heartbreakingly real. You believe her panic. You feel her exhaustion. And when she finally breaks? You might too.
Backing her up is a solid supporting cast:
-
Sherri Shepherd as Nicole, Janiyah’s ride-or-die friend who’s also dealing with her mess
-
Teyana Taylor as Detective Kay Raymond, a cop torn between empathy and duty
-
Sinbad as Benny, a cryptic figure from Janiyah’s past with his own set of secrets
-
Rockmond Dunbar as Chief Wilson, more concerned with headlines than justice
-
Ashley Versher as Tessa George, a social worker stuck in a system that rarely bends for compassion
-
Mike Merrill as Detective Grimes, whose scepticism fuels the tension
-
Glynn Turman as Richard, Janiyah’s estranged father, who reappears when things hit rock bottom
Everyone brings something real to the table, but it’s Taraji’s emotionally bare performance that holds the whole thing together.
Behind the Scenes: Tyler Perry’s Grittiest Work Yet?
This is Tyler Perry in a different lane. STRAW doesn’t rely on the familiar beats of his past films. It’s slower, moodier, and a bit more layered. Tyler Perry wrote, directed, and produced it himself, showing a more introspective, restrained side of his storytelling.
The film was co-produced by longtime collaborators Angi Bones and Tony Strickland, and you can feel the team’s experience in the tight pacing and visual tone. The cinematography leans into dim lighting, claustrophobic shots, and quiet moments that somehow feel louder than the dialogue.
Critics are already calling this Tyler Perry’s most personal work. It’s far from perfect, some scenes drag, and a few plot points stretch logic, but there’s a rawness here that hits differently. He’s not just telling a story; he’s trying to say something.
Early Reactions: Divisive But Hard to Ignore
So, what’s the verdict so far? Honestly, it’s mixed, but passionate. Taraji P. Henson is getting most of the praise, and rightfully so. Her portrayal of Janiyah is being called “career-defining” by some reviewers. People are also applauding Tyler Perry for stepping out of his comfort zone and tackling heavier, more socially relevant material.
Still, not everyone’s sold. Some critics point to uneven pacing and moments that feel a bit too convenient. But even those critiques often end with the same conclusion: the film’s emotional punch makes up for its flaws.
Perhaps what’s most compelling is the conversation STRAW has sparked. It’s opening up dialogue around mental health, single motherhood, and the emotional toll of just trying to stay afloat in a world that often refuses to help. It’s not subtle, but maybe that’s the point.
Final Thoughts
By dropping STRAW on Netflix, Tyler Perry ensures global eyes on what might be his most mature—and possibly most haunting- film yet. It’s messy. It’s emotional. It doesn’t always stick the landing. But it’s brave.
And for anyone who’s ever felt like they were one straw away from breaking… this one hits home.
