STRAW

Straw Movie on Netflix was a masterclass performance depicting the true ails in our society. What happens when you are pushed to the edge? What is your final Straw? Tyler Perry was able to assemble a top tier team of Actors and actresses to tell the story of poverty, society, the healthcare system, man's inhumanity to man, racism, while facing the challenges and the danger of law enforcement (real or perceived)), the apathy and lack of empathy of human nature all in 1hr 45min. Taraji P Henson brought all of the gravity and pain to the forefront of a forgotten person in society dealing with the pain of a sick child, not having access to quality Healthcare, and what can happen when you reach your limit without the help and social safety nets of society. If you can watch this movie and not be moved or feel the pain Janiya has, as we move throughout her day , to the cruelty of her landlord, the apathetic dismissal of her boss, the lack of empathy from Tessa, the duplicitous nature of the police and the arrogance of the men within life , while Nicole displayed the arrogance of having "made it " all of these pieces and more were the driving force. If you can watch this movie and not feel moved by the sadness and hopelessness that led to the final ending, then I must wonder about your ability to see real true suffering in our society. This is not new in our society some single mothers have to navigate tough times, but this movie in our opinion starkly put on the display the realities of living and not being seen in our society. People Talk about, homelessness, talk about the plight of Black men being targets but does anyone ever really talk about single Black mothers and not only the poverty of money but the poverty of spirit that comes from constantly having to navigate in a cold world. the most real line in this movie was "Poverty is expensive!" Whew! I believe this movie will be as recognized as 'The Women of Brewster Place!' Powerful, emotional and a sign of the times.

Leaving you this thought, while many think that to be Black in America you deserve indignity, that the consistent message is" not good enough, "and we know that is not rooted in truth, that is  bigotry, but there is an even more pervasive truth that we are witnessing on this screen, to be a Black Woman you should expect it and to be Black, a woman and poor in America is to understand the daily struggle of maintaining and standing in your humanity and dignity sometimes against all odds. What would be your Straw?

We hope you check out the movie and talk about it! Let us know what you think!

Interesting to note Mr. Perry shot this in 4 days. 5 claps to Tyler Perry on this powerful movie. (see link below)

Taraji P. Henson Filmed 'Straw' in a Shocking Period of Time (Exclusive)

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STRAW CAST

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

Shalèt Monique-Rayah Dunnam

(as Shalet Monique)

(info from IMDB)