Straw Review – Taraji P Henson Rises Above Tyler Perry’s Netflix Thriller

The guinea pig for this cultural stress test is Janiyah (Taraji P Henson), an apex Perry caricature who is past the point of exhaustion. Her loud, hot and dumpy apartment isn’t all that keeps her in perennial discomfort. There’s also a precocious young daughter (Gabrielle E Jackson) with nagging medical issues, and that eviction notice on the dining table. She can’t make ends meet despite working three jobs, and her cashier’s position at the local food desert grocery store is especially thankless. When an angry customer spikes a bottle of fizzy drink at Janiyah’s feet, her boss orders her to stand down from her busy checkout lane to clean up the mess. When Janiyah unwittingly cuts off an undercover cop in traffic after begging off the register to run a quick errand, he throws his ice coffee drink at her car and threatens to “find a legal way to blow your brains out”.

In the grand theater of American storytelling, where narratives often echo the familiar chords of privilege and predestination, Tyler Perry emerges as a maestro conducting a symphony of resilience, faith, and unyielding determination. His journey from the tumultuous streets of New Orleans to the pinnacle of Hollywood's elite is not just a tale of personal triumph but a testament to the transformative power of storytelling.

The balance of the film plays like the Tyler Perry version of John Q, down to the Luigi Mangione-coded public rallying cry – trading injury for Spike Lee’s insult, perhaps. The third act is freighted with pointed digressions on the intractable racism in banking and healthcare systems, and the inescapable Perry twist at the film’s core is its own commentary on the Black mental health crisis. As ever, Perry – who takes top billing once more as this film’s writer, director and executive producer – engages with many ideas, but none that he seems to fully understand. That includes Black women, whom he does a tremendous disservice to once again.

But the hatchet job may be lost on most viewers because Straw is one of the better films on Perry’s grade curve. The pacing could be better for what is ostensibly a 105-minute thriller. The day-night transitions in particular are wild, and again the rain comes out of nowhere. But Straw doesn’t meander as much as Perry’s other productions. (Looking at you, Duplicity.) It’s not soapy or camp either. There’s melodrama, sure, but Straw makes you take it seriously – and a lot of it is a credit to the actors playing it straight and, possibly, getting a few extra takes to refine their performances (weird flex, I know).

Act I: From the Ashes of Adversity

Born Emmitt Perry Jr. on September 13, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Tyler Perry's early life was marred by hardship and abuse. In an act of self-reclamation, he legally changed his name to Tyler at 16, distancing himself from the pain associated with his father. Inspired by an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show discussing the therapeutic nature of writing, Perry began penning letters to himself, which evolved into the foundation of his first play, I Know I've Been Changed. Despite initial failures and financial struggles, Perry's unwavering faith and tenacity led to the play's eventual success, marking the genesis of a new voice in American theater.

Act II: The Rise of a Cultural Icon

Perry's early works resonated deeply with African American audiences, blending humor, spirituality, and poignant social commentary. His creation of the indomitable Mabel "Madea" Simmons—a gun-toting, wisdom-spouting matriarch—became a cultural phenomenon, challenging stereotypes and offering a fresh perspective on Black womanhood. Through stage plays and films, Perry cultivated a loyal fan base, often bypassing traditional Hollywood channels to reach his audience directly.

In 2006, Perry expanded his reach with the television series Tyler Perry's House of Payne, which led to a groundbreaking $200 million, 100-episode deal with TBS. This venture solidified his status as a formidable force in the entertainment industry.

Act III: Building an Empire

Perry's vision extended beyond storytelling; he aspired to create spaces where marginalized voices could flourish. In 2015, he acquired the former Fort McPherson military base in Atlanta, transforming it into Tyler Perry Studios—a 330-acre complex boasting 12 sound stages named after influential African Americans. This studio became a beacon for inclusive storytelling, hosting productions like Black Panther and The Walking Dead.

His partnership with ViacomCBS in 2017 further expanded his influence, leading to the creation of original content for BET and the launch of the streaming service BET+. Perry's commitment to ownership and representation reshaped the media landscape, offering platforms for stories often overlooked by mainstream Hollywood.

Act IV: The Man Behind the Curtain

Beyond his professional achievements, Perry's personal life reflects his values of compassion and service. A devoted father, he welcomed his son, Aman, in 2014 with then-partner Gelila Bekele. His philanthropic efforts are extensive, including providing shelter to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their transition from royal duties and supporting communities disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Perry's political engagement has become more pronounced in recent years. He supported Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the 2020 election and has used his platform to advocate for social justice and equitable representation.

Act V: Accolades and Acknowledgments

Perry's contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 2021 Oscars and the Governors Award at the 2020 Emmys. These honors recognize not only his artistic achievements but also his unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized communities through storytelling and philanthropy.

Curtain Call: A Legacy of Empowerment

Tyler Perry's narrative is one of transformation—of pain into purpose, of adversity into artistry. His works serve as mirrors reflecting the complexities of Black life in America, offering both solace and inspiration. In the grand tapestry of American culture, Perry's threads are vibrant and unbreakable, woven with resilience, faith, and an unyielding belief in the power of stories to heal and unite.