If you’ve spent any time on Netflix lately, you’ve probably seen Taraji P. Henson’s face looking absolutely wrecked on the home screen. It’s for her movie Straw, which hit the platform in June 2025 and basically stayed at the top of the charts for weeks. Honestly, it’s one of those films that makes you want to throw your remote at the TV and give Taraji a hug at the exact same time. It's heavy. Like, "I need a palette cleanser of cartoon puppies afterward" heavy.
Tyler Perry directed this one, and if you know his work, you know he doesn't do "subtle" very well. But there is something about taraji p henson new movie on netflix that feels different from her past work like Acrimony or I Can Do Bad All By Myself. It’s a psychological crime drama that feels more like a slow-motion car crash. You see the tragedy coming from a mile away, but you just can’t look away because Taraji is doing what she does best—acting her heart out until she’s literally shaking.
What is Straw actually about? (No spoilers, mostly)
The premise is simple but kind of terrifying because of how relatable the "bad day" aspect is. Taraji plays Janiyah, a single mother living in a rough apartment with her daughter, Aria, who has chronic health issues. Janiyah is doing everything right. She’s working, she’s trying, she’s showing up. But the world basically decides to treat her like a punching bag for 108 minutes.
It starts with a grocery store job where customers are jerks, a boss (played by Glynn Turman) who is genuinely one of the most hatable characters put to film, and a car that gets impounded because of expired tags. It’s the "last straw" concept taken to a literal, violent extreme. When she ends up in a bank standoff, it’s not because she’s a criminal mastermind. It’s because she’s a mom who has nothing left to lose.
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The Cast that makes it work
The supporting cast is actually pretty wild. You’ve got:
- Sherri Shepherd as Nicole, a bank teller who ends up being Janiyah's unexpected lifeline.
- Teyana Taylor as a detective who actually has a soul (rare for these types of movies).
- Sinbad and Rockmond Dunbar also pop up, giving the film some serious acting weight.
Most people don't realize that Tyler Perry reportedly filmed this entire movie in just four days at his Atlanta studios. Four days! That’s insane. You can kind of tell in some of the lighting and the pacing, but Taraji carries the whole thing on her back so well that you sort of forgive the "rush job" feel of the production.
Why people are divided over taraji p henson new movie on netflix
If you look at Rotten Tomatoes, the critics and the fans are living in two different worlds. Critics kinda hated it. They called it "monotonous" and "miserable." And, yeah, they aren't exactly wrong. It is miserable. It’s a movie about a Black woman being humiliated and pushed to the brink for two hours.
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But the fans? They loved it. It got an 81% audience score almost immediately.
Why the gap? Because for a lot of people, Janiyah’s struggle doesn't feel like "melodrama"—it feels like Tuesday. The fear of being one paycheck away from eviction or one bad interaction with a cop away from losing your kids is a very real reality. Taraji said in an interview with Ebony that she views these roles as a "possession." She’s not just acting; she’s letting the character use her body to tell a story that usually gets ignored.
What’s next for Taraji on Netflix?
If you finished Straw and thought, "I need more Taraji, but maybe with less screaming," you’re in luck. She recently signed a massive two-picture deal with Netflix under her TPH Entertainment banner. She isn't just starring anymore; she’s producing.
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Here is what is currently on the horizon for 2026:
- 'Tis So Sweet: This is a faith-based drama coming in 2026. It’s based on the true story of Lenore Lindsey, a bakery owner in Chicago. It’s being directed by Tasha Smith and stars Joey Bada$$. It sounds like it’ll be way more uplifting than Straw.
- Why Did I Get Married Again?: Yes, it’s finally happening. Tyler Perry is bringing back the original cast (Jill Scott, Janet Jackson, the whole crew) for a third installment.
- Broadway: She’s also heading to Broadway for Joe Turner’s Come and Gone with Cedric the Entertainer, though that obviously isn't on Netflix.
Actionable Insights for Your Watchlist
If you're planning to watch taraji p henson new movie on netflix tonight, here is the move:
- Check your mood first. Do not watch Straw if you are already having a bad day. It will not make you feel better. It’s a "glass of wine and a heavy sigh" kind of movie.
- Watch for the performance. Even if you find the plot a bit "much," watch Taraji's eyes. The way she transitions from exhaustion to pure, unadulterated rage is a masterclass.
- Look for the cameos. Seeing Sinbad back on screen is a genuine treat that catches a lot of people off guard.
Ultimately, the movie works because we’ve all felt like we were at our breaking point. Maybe we didn't end up in a bank standoff, but we've all had that one day where the world just wouldn't stop hitting. Taraji P. Henson remains the queen of the "woman on the edge" genre, and Straw is her current crown jewel, for better or worse.
To get the most out of your Netflix subscription, keep an eye on the "New Releases" tab in early 2026 for 'Tis So Sweet, as it's expected to be the first project under her new production deal to hit the service. Look for the official trailer drop about six weeks before the premiere to see the shift in her acting range from the intensity of Janiyah to this new, more hopeful role.