The relentless Atlanta sun beat down on Janiyah Wiltkinson, each ray a hammer blow against her already fractured spirit. Another late notice at the daycare meant extra hours, fewer tips, and mounting dread. The eviction notice taped to her door seemed to pulse mockingly in the dim light. Nicole, ever the loyal friend, offered words of encouragement and a plate of reheated leftovers, but even her optimism couldn’t penetrate Janiyah’s despair. Each bill, each demand, felt like another straw. Detective Kay Raymond, hardened by years on the force, watched the neighborhood from her unmarked car, a silent observer of the simmering tensions, a sense of foreboding tightening her chest. Benny, Janiyah’s weary but loving father, pleaded with her to just breathe, to remember her strength, but his words felt distant, swallowed by the roaring in her ears. One more phone call from a relentless bill collector, one more slammed door, one more hungry look from her child. How much can one woman bear before the breaking point shatters everything she holds dear?
STRAW Movie Overview
| Title | STRAW |
|---|---|
| Release Status | Released |
| Release Date | 2025-06-05 |
| Runtime | 1 hours and 45 minutes |
| Genre | Thriller, Drama |
| Original Language | En |
| Spoken Language | English |
| Country | United States of America |
| Production Co. | Tyler Perry Studios |
STRAW Movie Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|---|
| Taraji P. Henson | Janiyah Wiltkinson |
| Sherri Shepherd | Nicole |
| Teyana Taylor | Detective Kay Raymond |
| Sinbad | Benny |
| Rockmond Dunbar | Chief Wilson |
| Ashley Versher | Tessa George |
| Mike Merrill | Detective Grimes |
| Glynn Turman | Richard |
| Shalet Monique | Rayah Dunnam |
| Diva Tyler | Isabella |
| Fracaswell Hyman | Marvin |
| Derek Phillips | Agent Bryce |
| Tilky Jones | Officer Oliver |
| Katrina Nelson | Officer Sam |
| Anthony E. Williams | Officer Dickson |
| Justin James Boykin | Dan |
| Jâms Thomas | Officer Black |
| Zac Zedalis | Louis Jones |
| Niviere Fontane | Jones |
| Gabrielle E Jackson | Aria |
| Tarina Pouncy | Principal Matheson |
STRAW Movie Storyline
Janiyah Wiltkinson, a resilient single mother, teeters on the brink of collapse after a series of escalating misfortunes in Atlanta. Starting with a job loss, quickly followed by an eviction notice and mounting medical bills for her ailing mother, Richard, Janiyah’s carefully constructed world begins to crumble. Her best friend, Nicole, a pillar of support, offers what little help she can, but it’s not enough to stop the relentless tide of despair. When Janiyah’s car, her last lifeline, is repossessed, leaving her unable to transport Richard to her critical doctor’s appointments, she snaps. Driven to desperation, Janiyah makes a shocking decision – a meticulously planned bank robbery – hoping to secure her family’s future. However, Detective Kay Raymond, a sharp and intuitive officer, quickly picks up on the irregularities surrounding the crime and begins a relentless pursuit. Benny, an acquaintance from Janiyah’s past, becomes entangled in the fallout, offering dangerous aid while Detective Grimes closes in. Janiyah must evade the authorities and navigate the treacherous world she’s thrust herself into, all while battling her conscience and struggling to reconcile her actions with the love she has for her family, leaving the audience to question how far one would go when pushed beyond their breaking point, culminating in a tense standoff that will determine Janiyah’s fate and the future of her family.
STRAW Movie Details
In the gripping thriller “STRAW,” set against the backdrop of urban Atlanta, Janiyah Wiltkinson, portrayed by Taraji P. Henson, embodies the struggles of a hardworking single mother pushed to her absolute limit. The film plunges into Janiyah’s devastatingly bad day, as a cascade of misfortunes threatens to unravel her already precarious existence. Navigating a relentless cycle of financial hardship and systemic obstacles, Janiyah finds herself increasingly isolated. As her desperation mounts, she faces a moral precipice, ultimately resorting to a shocking act that sends ripples through her community. Sherri Shepherd plays Nicole, Janiyah’s unwavering, confidant and closest friend, who offers a vital source of support amidst the chaos. The narrative intensifies as Detective Kay Raymond, played by Teyana Taylor, begins investigating the circumstances surrounding Janiyah’s actions, uncovering a web of social injustices and personal sacrifices. Sinbad appears as Benny, Janiyah’s supportive but sometimes oblivious neighbor. Chief Wilson, played by Rockmond Dunbar, adds layers to the unfolding drama, challenging perspectives on law, justice, and the breaking points of individuals within a society teetering on the edge. “STRAW” explores themes of economic disparity, the resilience of the human spirit, and the agonizing choices people make when backed into a corner, questioning how far one is willing to go when pushed beyond their last straw.
STRAW Movie Poster Images
STRAW Movie Trailers
Official Trailer
STRAW Movie FAQs
What is the movie STRAW about?
STRAW is a thriller and drama film about a hardworking single mother who reaches her breaking point after a devastatingly bad day, leading to a shocking act of desperation.
Who are the main actors in STRAW?
The main actors in STRAW include Taraji P. Henson, Sherri Shepherd, and Teyana Taylor.
When was STRAW released?
STRAW was released on June 5, 2025.
What genres does STRAW belong to?
STRAW belongs to the Thriller and Drama genres.
Who directed STRAW?
Tyler Perry directed STRAW.
Where can I watch STRAW?
STRAW is available on Netflix.
Who wrote the screenplay for STRAW?
Tyler Perry wrote the screenplay for STRAW.
What is the runtime of STRAW?
The runtime of STRAW is 105 minutes.
Who produced STRAW?
Tyler Perry, Tony Strickland, and Angi Bones produced STRAW.
What is the rating for STRAW?
The average vote for STRAW is 8.378 based on 115 votes.
