Straw Movie (2025) Review – Critical Review: Familiar Formula, Fresh Frustrations
The Straw movie is another two steps back in HD from Tyler Perry’s consistent Tyler Perry Studio. This film continues his long-standing tradition of placing downtrodden Black characters at the center of a melodramatic whirlwind. Only this time, even less effort seems made to veil the moralizing or lift the narrative beyond clichés. Despite some strong performances, the film suffers from a contrived plot, thin character development, and Perry’s tendency to showcase Black trauma without offering meaningful resolution or complexity.
Acting: Hits and Misses
Taraji P. Henson and Teyana Taylor bring grounded intensity to their roles, salvaging moments of emotional weight. Mike Merrill and Sherri Shepherd also give honest performances, despite the script’s shortcomings. Unfortunately, the rest of the cast struggles. Many deliver lines stiffly, rely on theatrical gestures, or fall flat emotionally. As a result, several characters feel more like caricatures than real people.
Plot: A Convenient Storm
The plot leans heavily on Perry’s familiar formula: a broken woman, a dark secret, a convenient tragedy, and a last-minute redemption. Rather than exploring growth through insight, Perry often shows personal breakthroughs through suffering or divine intervention. Characters frequently make implausible decisions, showing a lack of critical thinking.
The story lacks depth. Conflicts resolve too easily. Villains are cartoonishly evil. Each twist feels predictable, every revelation recycled. Emotional beats rarely land because the setup feels manufactured instead of earned.
Viewer Reactions: Mixed But Loud
Some viewers compare Straw to John Q, the Denzel Washington film about a desperate man facing a broken system. For these viewers, Straw shows people at their breaking point. It explores how extreme choices arise when institutions fail. While it isn’t as tightly written or strongly acted as John Q, it tries to evoke that same desperation and hopelessness.
Others praise the film for highlighting the emotional and social struggles of Black women. The portrayal of overlooked pain, emotional labor, and quiet resilience resonates. For this group, Straw isn’t about plot. It’s about feeling seen. The film provides a rare emotional mirror in mainstream media.
Still, critics express frustration. Tyler Perry has the resources to tell diverse, complex Black stories. Yet he continues to lean on trauma-driven narratives with underdeveloped characters and over-the-top plotlines. Viewers argue he could elevate Black storytelling. Instead, he chooses emotional shortcuts over innovation.
Staw Movie Review Final Verdict: Emotional, But Not Evolved
Entertainment should stir emotion. Whether viewers left angry, moved, or disappointed, the Straw movie created strong reactions. In today’s landscape of forgettable content, sparking conversation is a win. But from a Black progress standpoint, this felt like another missed opportunity.
Want More Reviews Like This Straw Movie Review?
Did this Straw movie review resonate with you? Do you want more reviews with some social and cultural analysis? If this movie review resonated with you, click here to check out other movie reviews on the AION Network. Also, check out, watch, and listen to more content and reviews on AION’s youtube channel.
