Tailored to resonate with the African-American community, Tyler Perry’s movies often address a range of social issues pertinent to the Black community, and his latest masterpiece, Straw, is no exception, focusing heavily on the challenges that plague Black women. The film plunges viewers into a day of escalating chaos, societal indifference, and the profound psychological unravelling that comes from the crushing weight of stress, combined with the overwhelming pain of grief.

The story focuses on Janiyah Wiltkinson (Taraji P. Henson), a hardworking single mother whose life spirals dramatically over the course of a single agonising day. From eviction notices and a lost job to a gravely ill daughter and an indifferent bureaucracy, Janiyah is pushed to her absolute breaking point. What starts as a series of unfortunate events quickly escalates into a desperate act, drawing her into a tense, high-stakes standoff that forces both her and the audience to confront the harsh realities of a system that often fails its most vulnerable.

"Straw" represents a bold stylistic shift for Tyler Perry. While his films often carry underlying messages, this one embraces a grittier, more suspenseful tone, largely shedding the broad comedy and overt moralising sometimes associated with his work. The narrative’s "ticking clock" structure, confined largely to a single day and location, effectively builds tension and keeps the audience on edge, mirroring Janiyah’s escalating anxiety.

Undoubtedly, the standout element of "Straw" is Taraji P. Henson's heartwrenching performance. She delivers a raw, visceral, and utterly compelling portrayal of a woman teetering on the edge. Her ability to convey immense pain, desperation, and a fragile grasp on reality is nothing short of brilliant, making Janiyah's harrowing journey deeply affecting, even when her actions become extreme. Henson carries the weight of the entire film, and her emotional intensity is its beating heart.

The film's strength lies in its unflinching (though sometimes heavy-handed) social commentary, bravely tackling themes of poverty, systemic failure, mental health, and the devastating impact of an indifferent society on individuals. "Straw" serves as a stark mirror, reflecting the frustrations and despair of those caught in the vicious cycle of hardship, forcing a conversation about empathy and societal responsibility. 

Straw is such an impactful watch; it evokes a range of deep-cutting emotions. It takes the audience by the hand, immersing us in Janiyah's pain, fear, desperation, loneliness, and her profound love for her child, the only person she had in the world. In a world filled with people, Janiyah found herself utterly alone in her struggles. Yet, as a supporter's sign boldly declared, "Nevertheless, she persisted."

The movie is currently available on Netflix.