Tyler Perry’s latest film, Straw, is a powerful exploration of strength, daily struggles, and mental health issues that resonate deeply in today’s society. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, the main character, Janiyah (Taraji P. Henson), wakes up determined to overcome whatever comes her way. But what she doesn’t expect are the twists and turns that test her resilience throughout the day.
At a glance, she’s the picture of perseverance—a mother doing her best to survive and protect her daughter, who suffers from seizures. However, as the pressure builds, we see what happens when there is no room left to breathe.
“You can’t help me, nobody ever helps me, I do it all myself.” (A quote from Janiyah, played by Taraji P. Henson)
As the movie opens, the camera pans across the cramped apartment where Janiyah and her young daughter Aria live, highlighting their modest living conditions. As the morning unfolds, we witness the weight of Janiyah’s daily challenges, long before she even steps outside her apartment complex.
Being a single mother while working in a toxic environment takes an obvious toll. Despite tense exchanges with her manager, rude customers at the local grocery store, and a run-in with an overbearing police officer, Janiyah pushes through with quiet resilience, maintaining a positive attitude for the sake of her daughter. Her focus is simple but powerful: pay the rent and send Aria to school with lunch money.
“It seems like you had a lot to get over today” (A quote from character Nicole Parker played by Sherri Shepard)
In a single day, Janiyah loses her job, her income, and her apartment—a gut-wrenching reality that mirrors the lived experiences of many. One of the most gripping moments in the film comes when Janiyah walks into a bank to cash her paycheck, only to be mistaken for a robber. Her tired expression, worn clothes, visible anxiety, and having a weapon in hand prompt the teller to alert security, and the situation escalates quickly.
Despite explaining that she’s just there to cash her check, Janiyah finds herself in a long standoff surrounded by authorities, confused and terrified. This moment underscores a central theme of Straw: how poverty and racial bias intersect to create dangerous misunderstandings that can change lives in an instant.
“People don’t know how expensive it is to be poor.” (A quote from Ms. Isabella, who was a hostage inside the bank)
Straw isn’t just a story about hardship—it’s a mirror reflecting the lives of many who silently carry the weight of the world. However, it also demonstrates the wisdom to realize when someone needs support or merely deserves to be acknowledged and heard. In the film, Nicole Parker ( Sherri Shepard) provided Janiyah with the necessary calm and care. She noticed her, spoke quietly, and reassured her. Detective Raymond (Teyana Taylor) provided assurance and security. Something many may not receive.
Through Janiyah’s journey, the film powerfully reminds us of the importance of mental health, having empathy, and showing support when others truly need it. Tyler Perry uses Janiyah’s story to showcase what many people, especially single mothers, may feel but are rarely allowed to express. Strength isn’t about never breaking—it’s about getting back up when you do. This film challenges us to look closer at those around us, and to extend more grace, more help, and more understanding to those around us.
