In STRAW, audiences are presented with a conundrum. At the center of it all is Taraji P. Henson, delivering one of the best performances of her career. Her portrayal is awe-inspiring—raw, affecting, and undeniably magnetic. Unfortunately, while Henson is operating at the peak of her powers, the rest of the film struggles to match her intensity and quality. What could have been a gripping social drama ends up hampered by an undercooked narrative and uneven execution.
The story follows a mother (Taraji P. Henson) who, after enduring an extraordinarily difficult day, reaches her breaking point. This culminates in a shocking act that spirals into a tense hostage situation, where the deeper layers of her backstory and motivations are slowly revealed.
Half of the time, STRAW is undeniably gripping. Henson is a force of nature—every scene she’s in pulses with emotion. Her performance resonates on a deeply human level, and it’s hard not to feel moved by her character’s desperation. The film also manages to touch on potent social themes, particularly the systemic frustrations and inequalities that can push someone to the edge. These elements are unexpectedly powerful and resonant. However, the film falters in almost every area outside of its lead actor. While Sherri Shepherd holds her own in a supporting role, the rest of the cast delivers stiff and unconvincing performances. Many character interactions come off as artificial, lacking the emotional realism that Henson so effortlessly brings. The narrative also feels inconsistent. Major story beats often seem forced, and the overall structure relies too heavily on implausible elements that strain suspension of disbelief. What should have felt raw and grounded instead feels contrived and occasionally laughably bad. STRAW is a film of frustrating contrasts. At its core, it delivers heavy emotions and a climactic twist that lands with real impact. But its middling production values, weak supporting performances, and shaky narrative hold it back from achieving its full potential. Taraji P. Henson gives this film its heart, soul, and fire—but she deserved a stronger film around her.
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STRAW (2025) Movie Review: Taraji Goes All Out
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