Tyler Perry’s latest Netflix drama, Straw, has stormed to the top of the UK Netflix Top 10, hitting the #1 spot in less than 24 hours after its Friday, 6th of June, release. Starring Taraji P. Henson in their third collaboration, the film has ignited buzz for both its rapid success and its emotionally intense storyline.
In Straw, Henson plays Janniyah, a single mother navigating a series of hardships: eviction, a sick child, job loss, and ultimately the loss of custody of her daughter. When she returns to collect a final paycheck, she becomes entangled in a botched robbery, fatally shooting a thief and accidentally her boss, sparking a chain of events that plunge her deeper into turmoil.
Though audiences have propelled the film to the top of the charts, critics have offered more tempered responses. Many point to the plot’s over-reliance on melodrama and a series of misfortunes that “feel more contrived than compelling.” At 1 hour and 47 minutes, the film has also been criticised for being bloated, with themes of womanhood, resilience, and systemic failure struggling to break through the crowded narrative
Still, Henson’s performance has been a standout. As with their previous collaborations (I Can Do Bad All By Myself, Acrimony), her portrayal brings emotional gravity to the screen. Critics and fans alike have praised her ability to ground even the most chaotic plotlines in authenticity. However, other cast members don’t fare as well—Teyana Taylor’s turn as Detective Raymond has been described as underwhelming and miscast.
Despite the mixed bag of critical success, Straw's instant streaming success underscores Perry’s knack for tapping into audience emotions and Henson’s ongoing star power. Whether the film’s momentum will hold remains to be seen, but its explosive debut proves there’s still a strong appetite for emotionally driven, high-stakes drama.
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