Straw is Tyler Perry’s 2025 Netflix drama about Janiyah, a single mother whose increasingly difficult day threatens her ability to care for her ill daughter. Taraji P. Henson plays Janiyah; the principal supporting cast includes Sherri Shepherd as Nicole Parker and Teyana Taylor as Detective Raymond. Netflix lists the film as TV-MA with a runtime of 1:47:48.
What is Straw about?
The story follows Janiyah as mounting hardships push her toward a crisis while she tries to look after her sick daughter. Netflix’s synopsis presents her as a hardworking single mother facing a world that seems indifferent to her situation. The trailer description adds that she accidentally holds a local bank hostage while trying to cash a check, a detail that reveals how her difficult day escalates.
Writer-director Tyler Perry described Janiyah’s motivation in a Netflix Tudum interview: “She’s just trying to survive, just trying to be a great mother to her daughter, and then the circumstances in her life cause her to be in this situation.” Taraji P. Henson, who plays Janiyah, said: “She just wants to do what’s right for her daughter and live her life.”
Who is in the Straw cast?
Netflix’s principal cast list names these six performers and characters. It is a principal-cast guide, not a complete list of every credited performer.
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| Actor | Character | Role in the story |
|---|---|---|
| Taraji P. Henson | Janiyah | A struggling single mother at the center of the story. |
| Sherri Shepherd | Nicole Parker | A bank employee who meets Janiyah during her difficult day. |
| Teyana Taylor | Detective Raymond | A police officer who empathizes with Janiyah. |
| Glynn Turman | Richard | Janiyah’s boss. |
| Sinbad | Benny | A neighborhood resident who witnesses Janiyah’s generosity. |
| Rockmond Dunbar | Chief Wilson | A police chief portrayed in Netflix’s character description as dismissive of Janiyah’s circumstances. |
Who plays Janiyah in Straw?
Taraji P. Henson plays Janiyah, the mother whose efforts to care for her ill daughter are central to the film. Henson described the character as focused on doing what is right for her daughter and living her life.
Who does Teyana Taylor play in Straw?
Teyana Taylor plays the police officer who responds to Janiyah’s crisis. Netflix’s cast list calls her character Detective Raymond, while Netflix’s interview headings and Taylor’s comments use Officer Raymond. Taylor described Raymond as “very fair in this case, very passionate, compassionate, and empathetic.”
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How do the supporting characters relate to Janiyah?
The supporting roles show different responses to Janiyah’s circumstances. Nicole is a potential source of help when they meet at the bank, and Raymond approaches the situation with empathy. Richard and Chief Wilson are authority figures whom Netflix’s descriptions characterize as failing to give Janiyah a break or understand what she is facing. This contrast frames the people around Janiyah as part of the pressure—and the possibility of help—during her crisis.
When did Straw come out, and where can you watch it?
Straw is a 2025 film written and directed by Tyler Perry. Netflix says it is available to stream on its service, and lists its rating as TV-MA and its runtime as 1:47:48. Streaming availability can vary by country and change over time, so check the local Netflix listing for current access.
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Can you watch the Straw trailer?
Netflix’s film page includes a trailer. Its description identifies the bank standoff as part of the plot, so viewers who want to avoid that story detail may prefer to skip the trailer and read only the spoiler-light premise above.
Sources: Netflix’s Straw title page; Netflix Tudum’s cast and film guide, June 6, 2025; Netflix Tudum’s Taraji P. Henson interview; Netflix Tudum’s Teyana Taylor interview.
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