Are Perry’s films evolving or repeating?
“Straw” once again finds Tyler Perry honing his signature focus: Black womanhood and the powerful, often overlooked strength required to raise a family alone. Compassion and empathy are woven throughout as the audience is invited to experience the relentless realities single parents—especially single mothers—endure.
Janiyah Wiltkinson: Unraveling Under Pressure
Taraji P. Henson’s Janiyah Wiltkinson anchors the film, embodying the heartbreaking, near-constant misfortune that can hound single mothers. Henson delivers a raw, vulnerable performance, navigating Janiyah through a minefield of financial woes, workplace struggles, unreliable support, and the unending burdens of solo parenthood. Janiyah’s eventual breakdown is depicted with respect, making clear it is not a flaw but a response to impossible pressures.
Notable Supporting Cast
“Straw” shines with an ensemble that features standout appearances:
- Teyana Taylor brings sharp charisma to a pivotal supporting role.
- Sherri Shepherd provides much-needed levity and warmth.
- Glynn Turman stirs the pot with his role creating havc for the lead
- Sinbad a never before seen image of the former comedy legend as a homeless man
Perry’s Emotional Blueprint
The film fits Tyler Perry’s established blueprint: centering Black women in stories of betrayal, survival, and the hope for redemption. As with so many of Perry’s works, “Straw” crafts an emotional rollercoaster for its audience, targeting Black women and offering catharsis as well as melodrama.
Ratings Breakdown
| Category | Boots Awarded |
|---|---|
| Storyline | 2.5 |
| Production Value (Cinematography, SFX, and etc) | 3 |
| Acting/Casting | 3 |
| Direction/Vision | 3 |
| Cultural Value | 3 |
| Total Boots: | 2.9 |
Summary and Score
While “Straw” occasionally falls back on familiar tropes, the film is elevated by its cast and the honesty with which it tackles the struggle of single parenthood. Tyler Perry’s storytelling may be showing its seams, but the heartfelt performances and strong technical execution make for 2.9 well-earned Boots out of 5: Matinee Maybe… Solid entertainment, but not groundbreaking.
What are your thoughts? How did you view Tyler Perry’s latest?
To all single parents: may “Straw” be a reminder that the world sees your daily battles—even if, sometimes, it takes reaching the very last straw to acknowledge them.
