"Straw" is a gripping drama thriller directed by Tyler Perry, starring Taraji P. Henson as Janiyah Wiltkinson, a single mother fighting for survival. The movie has received overwhelmingly positive reviews for its raw and honest portrayal of poverty, illness, and resilience.

*Key Themes:*

- *Black Motherhood and Mental Health*: The film tackles the struggles of being a Black mother and the impact on mental health with rare honesty.
- *Systemic Neglect*: It highlights how ordinary lives can be pushed to extraordinary limits when support structures fail.
- *Sisterhood and Survival*: The movie showcases the strength of women supporting each other in times of need.

*Performances:*

- Taraji P. Henson delivers a career-highlight performance as Janiyah Wiltkinson, bringing authenticity and control to the role.
- Sherri Shepherd shines as Nicole, bringing heart and depth to the story.

*Reviews:*

- The movie has a 5/5 star rating from some reviewers, praising its emotional truth and powerhouse cast.
- Others have given it 4/5 stars, noting its slow pacing but impactful portrayal of systemic neglect.

*Criticisms:*

- Some critics argue that the film's pacing is slow, making it not suitable for all audiences.
- However, for those willing to sit with its discomfort and silences, it offers a profound and unflinching look at the invisible costs of survival ¹ ².

Overall, "Straw" is a somber, deliberate portrait of a woman slowly unraveling beneath the weight of systemic neglect. If you're looking for a film that doesn’t just ask you to watch, but to feel, to reflect, and maybe even to check in on the women in your life, add it to your queue ³.