Tyler Perry’s newest Netflix release, Straw, is making waves among viewers, debuting with a strong audience score on Rotten Tomatoes—even as critics remain less impressed.
Released on Friday as part of Perry’s ongoing collaboration with Netflix under a multi-year first-look deal, Straw showcases the filmmaker’s signature involvement as writer, director, and producer. The film stars Taraji P. Henson in a powerful lead role as Janiyah Wiltkinson, a single mother facing mounting pressures while trying to care for her chronically ill daughter. She is joined by Sherri Shepherd and Teyana Taylor in key supporting roles.
In an interview with Netflix’s Tudum, Perry described the emotional weight behind the story.
“She’s just trying to survive—trying to be the best mother she can be—and the world around her pushes her to the edge,” he explained. “Whether you’re a Black woman or not, a lot of people will understand what it feels like to be at your last straw.”
That universal message appears to be resonating. While critics have yet to deliver a consensus rating, the audience score has landed at a promising 80% on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcorn Meter, indicating strong viewer satisfaction.
Online reactions have been overwhelmingly supportive, particularly for Taraji P. Henson’s performance. Many fans are calling it one of the most emotionally gripping portrayals of her career.
“I don’t care what anyone says about Tyler Perry, STRAW was phenomenal!!” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Another added,
“If Taraji P. Henson doesn’t get a damn Oscar for this, I will raise HELL! She acted her heart out. I cried so much watching this. Her work ethic, resilience, and emotional depth deserve more recognition.”
Some viewers described the film as “traumatizing in the best way,” noting that it hit close to home for those grappling with real-life hardship and systemic pressure.
While audiences are moved, critics remain divided. The Guardian’s Andrew Lawrence offered a two-star review, acknowledging Henson’s compelling range—from anguish to tenderness—but lamented what he sees as Perry’s underuse of her talent.
“Once again, Henson delivers a powerhouse performance. It’s unfortunate that Perry still treats her like a punching bag in his scripts,” Lawrence wrote.
The Hollywood Reporter’s Lovia Gyarkye characterized the film as melodramatic, saying it follows Perry’s familiar formula of exaggerated characters and emotionally loaded plotlines.
Meanwhile, The Washington Post’s Ty Burr critiqued the film’s execution, writing:
“Few filmmakers depict the Black American experience with as much sincerity—and as little subtlety—as Tyler Perry.”
Despite critical hesitation, Straw is clearly resonating with viewers, many of whom see it as a raw, emotional story grounded in real struggles. For fans of Perry and Henson, the film offers both a deeply human narrative and a standout performance that’s generating serious awards buzz.
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