Her REEL Review - 'Cause Girls Watch Movies, Too

  courtesy Netflix By Shaquanna Stevens | Her Reel Review Tyler Perry’s latest Netflix release, Straw , starring Taraji P. Henson, Sherri Shepherd, and Teyana Taylor, arrives with high expectations given its talented cast and Perry’s established presence in contemporary Black cinema. However, while the film aims to tell a gritty story of loss, trauma, and maternal struggle, it ultimately falters in its execution, resulting in an emotionally exhausting experience that struggles to connect. A Promising Cast, A Confounding Story The film centers on Taraji P. Henson’s character, a mother grappling with life’s harsh realities and her young daughter’s wellbeing. Yet, despite Henson’s commanding screen presence and undeniable talent, the character’s development feels uneven and often unrelatable. Early scenes present her as harsh and confrontational in ways that make it difficult for the audience to empathize or understand her motivations. This lack of clear emotional grounding undermi...