Straw movie review

 

If you think you’ve got Tyler Perry’s storytelling formula figured out, Straw will make you rethink everything. Sure, it follows the familiar theme—Black women enduring hardship while navigating an unforgiving world—but this film throws in twists that might just leave you second-guessing every assumption you had.

Taraji P. Henson proves yet again why she is a powerhouse. No matter the role, she gives it everything, and Straw is no exception. Her character, Angela, is a woman grappling with circumstances that spiral out of control before she even realizes it. From quiet moments of reflection to full-blown emotional breakdowns, Taraji makes sure you feel every ounce of Angela’s struggle. There’s no phoning it in—she is the beating heart of this film, and you can’t help but root for her, even when things look bleak.

Another standout in Straw is Teyana Taylor, who brings undeniable charisma to her role. Whether she’s delivering sharp dialogue or capturing the emotional weight of a scene, she commands attention. Her presence adds another layer of depth to the story, balancing moments of vulnerability with an underlying strength. Teyana has that rare ability to make every scene feel natural, yet deeply impactful. She’s a force to be reckoned with, and her performance here is a testament to how effortlessly she blends grit, talent, and sheer magnetism.

Now, let’s talk about the wild card: Sinbad. Yes, you read that right. The legendary comedian makes a surprise appearance, and let’s be honest—nobody saw that coming. While Perry is known for pulling in familiar faces, Sinbad’s role is a curveball in the best way. It’s refreshing to see him in something that deviates from pure comedy, reminding audiences that he’s got more range than people give him credit for.

One character that makes your blood boil is the racist cop. Was he exaggerated? Absolutely. But did his behavior still feel eerily familiar? Unfortunately, yes. Perry has a way of making antagonists just extreme enough to make you scream at the screen while still feeling like, “Yeah, I’ve definitely seen someone like that in real life.” It’s infuriating, but it’s effective.

Now, here’s the thing: If you’re used to Perry’s storytelling structure, you might think you’ve got the ending pegged from the first few scenes. But Straw throws in a twist that genuinely sneaks up on you. And not in a way that feels cheap—rather, it’s woven subtly throughout the film. Looking back, you start realizing the clues were all there, but Perry distracts you with heavy emotional beats so effectively that you don’t catch them. When the truth unravels at the end, it’s one of those “Wait… how did I miss that?!” moments.

If you love Tyler Perry films, Straw delivers exactly what you’d expect—but with a little extra unpredictability. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, anchored by Taraji P. Henson’s undeniable talent, and sprinkled with surprises that keep you engaged. If you haven’t watched it yet, buckle up—because it’s one ride you won’t soon forget.

Overall, I give this film 3 out of 5 acorns.