Netflix’s new thriller Straw, starring Taraji P. Henson, is climbing charts and stirring emotions with its raw look at a single mom’s breaking point. Released June 6, 2025, the Tyler Perry-directed film has fans raving and critics divided. Find out why it’s a must-watch, who’s in the cast, and what’s driving the hype.
Straw Takes Netflix by Storm
Since its debut, Straw has surged to the top of Netflix’s movie charts in the US, UK, Canada, and beyond, fueled by Taraji P. Henson’s powerhouse performance as Janiyah Wiltkinson, a single mother pushed to the edge by a brutal day. Directed, written, and produced by Tyler Perry, the psychological thriller follows Janiyah’s spiral after facing eviction, workplace drama, and her daughter Aria’s health crisis. A shocking twist ending has left viewers “ugly crying” and calling it “unforgettable,” with posts online praising its emotional punch.
The film’s intensity resonated at its LA premiere on June 5, where Henson and co-star Teyana Taylor spoke about connecting with Janiyah’s struggle. “Every mom knows that feeling of being stretched too thin,” Henson told reporters. Fans agree, with one X user calling it “a gut-punch for single parents.” Straw’s 78% Rotten Tomatoes Popcornmeter score marks a high for Perry’s Netflix run, though critics remain split, some calling the plot “forced” while others laud its heart.
Standout Cast and Key Moments
Henson shines as Janiyah, a grocery store worker battling systemic barriers, with her raw portrayal earning Oscar buzz. Teyana Taylor plays Detective Raymond, a cop who sees Janiyah’s pain, while Sherri Shepherd’s bank manager Nicole Parker anchors a tense hostage scene with empathy. The cast includes:
- Glynn Turman as Richard, Janiyah’s harsh boss.
- Rockmond Dunbar as Chief Wilson, skeptical of Janiyah’s motives.
- Sinbad as her supportive neighbor, marking his acting comeback.
- Ashley Versher as Tessa George, a bank teller caught in the chaos.
- Gabby Jackson as Aria, Janiyah’s sick daughter.
A late-game plot twist—kept under wraps to avoid spoilers—has fans floored, with one viewer on X saying, “I had to pause and process that ending.” The film’s fast-paced 98-minute runtime, shot in just four days in Georgia, keeps the tension high, though some note its low-budget visuals.
Why Straw Hits Hard
Straw taps into real-world struggles, especially for Black women facing poverty and systemic neglect. Perry told Netflix’s Tudum, “Janiyah’s story is universal—anyone who’s felt at their last straw will relate.” The film’s focus on resilience and desperation, paired with Henson’s “awards-worthy” performance, has sparked conversations about race, motherhood, and survival. Online, fans are sharing personal stories, with one writing, “Janiyah’s fight for her kid hit me deep as a single mom.” Critics, however, argue Perry’s heavy-handed style overshadows the message, with The Guardian calling it “overwrought.”
With Straw topping Netflix charts, Perry’s multi-year deal with the streamer is paying off. Fans are already clamoring for a sequel, though Perry hasn’t confirmed plans. Henson hinted at a potential follow-up in a June 9 TODAY interview, saying, “Janiyah’s story isn’t over.” Awards season chatter is growing, with Henson and Shepherd eyed for nominations. Meanwhile, the film’s social impact is clear, sparking discussions about systemic inequality and mental health.