Taraji P. Henson Gives Career Best Performance in STRAW

When one hears that phrase ‘the last straw,’ we know have either options have either run out or we are hanging on emotionally by nothing stronger than a thread. This is nothing new when it comes to Black single mothers, who are literally ensuring that everyone is taken care of at the risk of making sure she is secure.

Janiyah (Taraji P. Henson) is a single mother navigating a series of unfortunate events, leading her down an unforeseen path.  As a result, she  finds herself at the center of suspected bank robbery where she is faced with life or death consequences in a world that can sometimes be more cruel than kind.

Mixing a little ‘Dog Day Afternoon’ with John Q’ and a splash of ‘Set It Off,’ Tyler Perry’s latest for Netflix – STRAW is literally a one woman showcase for the amazingly gifted Taraji P. Henson.

Janiyah, melts in front of our eyes with frustrated empathy and lack of understanding given to most single mothers with her economic circumstances.  We intensely witness her not having enough money for daughters’ lunch money, her car being repossessed, evicted, being disrespected and targeted by law enforcement before finally just losing it while trying to  do the right thing every step of the way.

Henson (a single Mom in real life), must have relied on some serious emotional recall or this one.  She spirals so far out of control emotionally  audiences will want to give her a virtual hug. Hollywood has grossly ignored Henson.  Her performance in ‘Hidden Figures’ among may others have always been award worthy and this role is her best one to date.

Teyana Taylor is drastically different from the annoying baby mama in Perry’s ‘Madea’s Big Happy Family’ or the tortured, struggling single Mom in ‘A Thousand and One’.

As Detective Kay Raymond, she along with bank manager Nicole (Sherri Shepherd),  advocate and support Janiyah instead of condemning her to a stereotype.  Taylor and Shepherd are delivering heartfelt performances that compliment Henson making them an unstoppable acting trifecta.

Straw is a cautionary tale for single Moms of any race, creed or color and a life lesson we didn’t know we needed. Always approach someone with kindness, as you don’t know if your words or actions could literally invoke the last straw of their humanity.