Taraji P. Henson Is A Struggling Single Mom In Tyler Perry’s ‘Straw’
Taraji P. Henson is stepping into new territory with Straw, a gripping Netflix thriller from Tyler Perry that was shot in just four days. The film, premiering June 6, follows Janiyah—a single mother struggling to care for her sick daughter—who finds herself trapped in a chaotic web of suspicion and survival.
Despite juggling another project (Fight Night for Peacock), Henson couldn’t turn down Perry’s call. “He knew my schedule was tight and used every minute wisely,” she told sources. “That’s what I love about working with him—he’s fast, and so am I.”
The story hit home for Henson, who is herself a single mom. “Janiyah’s trying to do something as simple as cash a check to feed her daughter, and everything spirals out of control. I’ve lived those moments—when you just need your kid to feel normal, even if you’re struggling.”
The cast includes Sherri Shepherd, Teyana Taylor, Glynn Turman, Sinbad, and Rockmond Dunbar. While Henson couldn’t reveal much, she promised “crazy twists” that take both the audience and her character by surprise.
What drew Henson in most was the film’s message. Straw explores how easily vulnerable people are overlooked or failed by the systems meant to protect them. “We’re all just one crisis away from being Janiyah,” she said. “That truth stays with you.”
Henson hopes viewers walk away with more empathy, especially for those facing daily hardship. “I remember what it’s like to stretch a dollar and feed my child with WIC checks. That experience never leaves you—it fuels my passion and purpose.”
After wrapping Straw in record time, Henson is already joking about the next collaboration with Perry: “A three-day shoot next time? Who knows with Tyler!”
Are you planning to watch Straw when it premieres?
