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Wafricnews - June 17, 2025

Acclaimed filmmaker Tyler Perry has once again captured the world's attention — this time with his gripping new drama Straw, which is currently dominating Netflix as the platform’s most-watched film worldwide.

Released on June 6, Straw wasted no time climbing to the top. In just 48 hours, it racked up over 25 million views and surpassed 45 million hours of watch time globally — a meteoric rise that dwarfed even long-standing fan-favorites like Now You See Me, which debuted on Netflix five days earlier but managed under 5 million streams during the same week.

The powerful performance of Straw has not only confirmed Perry’s continued relevance in global cinema but also reignited conversations about emotional storytelling, resilience, and the enduring struggles of Black women.

Taraji P. Henson Leads with Raw Intensity

In the lead role, Taraji P. Henson delivers what fans and some critics are calling her most intense performance in years. She plays Janiyah Wilkinson, a single mother grappling with a string of devastating misfortunes: eviction, job loss, separation from her daughter, and a false criminal accusation that pushes her to the edge.

The film takes viewers deep into Janiyah’s unraveling world — a raw exploration of survival, grief, and maternal love. Backed by notable performances from Sherri Shepherd and Teyana Taylor, Straw doesn’t flinch in its portrayal of despair, but it also leaves room for hope and redemption.

“Thank You From the Bottom of My Heart” – Henson

Reacting to the film’s record-breaking success, Henson took to Instagram to thank fans:

“Y’all… whew. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for watching STRAW on @netflix. This one took me on a journey—deep, raw, real—and I’m so grateful it’s landing with you the way it landed with me.”

She continued:

“To everyone who cried, reflected, and felt something… I see you. I feel you. That’s why we do this. STRAW is now #1 globally on Netflix, and that’s because of YOU… GOD GETS ALL OF THE GLORY!!!”

A Tale of Two Receptions: Fans vs Critics

Despite its global popularity, Straw has drawn a mixed critical reception. It currently holds a 75% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, with many viewers applauding its emotional intensity, social relevance, and a twist ending that left audiences stunned.

Critics, however, have been less forgiving, assigning the film a 46% critics’ score. Some argue Perry continues to recycle themes of trauma and female suffering without offering new narrative depth. Still, most acknowledge the strength of the performances, especially Henson’s emotionally charged portrayal.

A Global Moment for Perry

Straw represents another cultural milestone for Tyler Perry, whose ability to create resonant, character-driven stories remains unmatched among his peers. Love it or critique it, Straw has become a global moment — one that once again demonstrates Perry’s knack for speaking directly to the hearts of everyday people.

Whether it’s the compelling narrative, the stellar cast, or the film’s unfiltered emotional core, Straw is proving that stories of pain, hope, and perseverance still deeply matter in today’s world — and they’re more powerful when told with unapologetic truth.


By Wafricnews Desk.

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