Tyler Perry's "Straw" Delivers Emotional Punch as Taraji P. Henson Shines in Netflix Movie

Tyler Perry’s latest Netflix release, Straw, is proving to be an emotional juggernaut—capturing the hearts of viewers even as critics remain reserved. Premiering to an impressive 80% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film continues Perry’s tradition of telling deeply human stories, this time with a powerful performance by the incomparable Taraji P. Henson.

In Straw, Henson portrays a single mother navigating the harrowing task of caring for her gravely ill daughter while facing insurmountable pressures from every direction. Surrounded by a standout supporting cast that includes Sherri Shepherd and Teyana Taylor, Henson brings the kind of emotional depth that leaves viewers clinging to tissues and gripped with empathy.

“She’s just trying to survive,” Perry told Netflix's Tudum, “just trying to be a great mother to her daughter, and then the circumstances in her life cause her to be in this situation. I think a lot of people around the world, no matter if you’re a Black woman or not, will be able to relate to that feeling of, ‘I’m at my last straw.’”

The film, released as part of Perry’s multi-year, first-look deal with Netflix, has yet to land a critic score, but the audience response is crystal clear—Straw is resonating in ways that only a Perry-Henson collaboration could. Social media lit up over the weekend with heartfelt praise from viewers who were moved by the rawness of the story.

“Currently watching Straw on Netflix, and it's been a long time since a movie touched me this hard,” one viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter). “I know it's just a movie, but it hits close to home thinking about people who are actually going through so much in life and are close to hitting their last straw.”

Another wrote, “I don’t care what anyone says about Tyler Perry, STRAW was phenomenal!!”

But perhaps the loudest chorus of praise has been for Henson herself.

“If Taraji P. Henson don’t get a damn Oscar for this I will raise HELL!” one fan demanded. “This girl acted her ass off in this movie. I cried so much watching this.”

“Every scene in this movie just traumatized me. Taraji P. Henson is truly one of the greatest actresses of her generation,” another viewer echoed.

Straw is more than just a film—it’s a sobering look at the emotional and economic fragility so many people endure daily, especially single mothers. Perry, known for spotlighting real-life challenges in dramatized form, offers a story that is both gut-wrenching and empowering.

Whether you're a longtime Perry fan or a skeptic, Straw is one of those rare films that compels conversation, empathy, and reflection. And with Taraji P. Henson delivering one of the most commanding performances of her career, Straw could be one of the sleeper hits of the year—and perhaps, a serious contender in award season discussions.

Watch Straw now on Netflix and follow the emotional journey everyone’s talking about.