Taraji P. Henson leads Netflix thriller Straw, which has achieved the top spot on the streaming platform globally just days after its release, despite receiving a modest 46% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Helmed by Tyler Perry and featuring a strong ensemble cast, Straw has quickly gained traction among viewers across multiple continents.
Rising to the Top: Straw Becomes a Streaming Sensation
Straw, created and directed by Tyler Perry, climbed to number one on Netflix’s Global Top 10 chart for the week of June 2–8, amassing over 25 million views and more than 45 million hours watched. The psychological thriller stars Taraji P. Henson as Janiyah, a single mother dedicated to caring for her chronically ill daughter, Aria. Their struggle takes a darker turn when a series of disturbing incidents brings Janiyah into confrontation with the law.
The film‘s cast includes notable performers such as Sherri Shepherd, who appears as Nicole, alongside Teyana Taylor, Sinbad, Rockmond Dunbar, Ashley Versher, Mike Merrill, and Glynn Turman, all of whom contribute to a tense story set during a harrowing bank robbery. As audiences have tuned in, Straw has overtaken other popular movies like Now You See Me, Bee Movie, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, further cementing its presence.
Straw’s reach is remarkable, claiming the number one position in 26 countries, such as the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. This extensive international appeal demonstrates the film‘s powerful resonance, even as it faces criticism from reviewers.
Mixed Reviews Highlight Henson’s Performance While Audiences Flock to the Film
Despite Straw’s widespread viewership, its critical reception has been less enthusiastic. Reviews have pointed to weaknesses in the script, melodramatic elements, and shortcomings in supporting performances. Even so, Taraji P. Henson’s portrayal of Janiyah has been singled out by many critics as a highlight that elevates the entire production.
Tyler Perry, celebrated for his work as an actor, writer, and producer—particularly for his long-running Madea films—continues forging a path in the streaming world with projects like Straw, A Fall from Grace, and A Madea Homecoming. These films often receive tepid responses from critics but demonstrate broad popularity among Netflix’s subscribers, indicating that Perry’s storytelling continues to find a substantial audience no matter the reviews.
The Continued Global Draw of Perry and Henson in Netflix Originals
Taraji P. Henson is well-known for her acclaimed roles, including an Academy Award-nominated turn in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and as Katherine Johnson in Hidden Figures. Her ongoing collaborations with Tyler Perry—such as appearances in The Family That Preys, I Can Do Bad All by Myself, and Acrimony—have further expanded her reach. In Straw, Henson once again brings emotional depth to the screen, providing authenticity in a tense, high-stakes storyline.
The partnership between Perry and Henson underlines a formula that resonates with global viewers. While Straw faces criticism for its writing and melodrama, enthusiastic audience engagement shows that streaming platforms like Netflix can propel even divisive films into worldwide hits. As Straw’s early success continues, industry observers will be watching to see if the film maintains its momentum and further solidifies the duo’s appeal on the international stage.
