The new Netflix original movie Straw, about a struggling single mother who is pushed to the edge, is attentive to detail and features phenomenal acting.
It stars Taraji P. Henson as Janiah, a mother trying to make ends meet. Her life changes entirely when she loses her job, her apartment, her car, and her daughter in one day.
When she goes to pick up her last check from her previous job, a man tries to rob her and her former boss. Janiah ends up shooting the robber and her former boss in self-defense.
Panicked, she takes her check and runs. She goes to the bank to cash her check, but she can’t without an ID. So she pulls the gun on the bank teller, which then triggers a silent alarm.
Police arrive and are told she is armed with a gun and a bomb, which is actually her daughter’s science fair project. Feeling like she is left with no choice, she makes a decision that changes her and her daughter’s lives.
Henson’s acting in this film is incredible. She handles her role in an emotional and mature manner. She taps into her role so well that her emotion and rage seem real.
In addition, the detail and plot are carefully crafted. Credit goes to Tyler Perry, who wrote and produced the film.
The movie doesn’t have unnecessary clips or dead-end plotlines. It is straight to the point while still having detail.
On the other hand, there is a little bit of room for improvement. The action could be more spread out. All the major scenes happen in the beginning, and that leads to an underwhelming ending.
