Tyler Perry’s latest Netflix release, Straw, has taken the internet by storm. The emotional thriller debuted on June 6 and quickly shot to the top of the platform’s global charts, becoming the most-watched film of the week—by a huge margin.
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In just two days, Straw racked up more than 25 million views and over 45 million hours of viewing time. That’s especially impressive considering it had less time on the platform than other movies on the weekly ranking. For comparison, Now You See Me, a popular film from 2013 that joined Netflix on June 1, was watched under 5 million times during the same week. Straw earned five times the views in less than half the time.
The movie also reached the Top 10 in 81 countries, claiming the #1 spot in places like the United States, Mexico, Jamaica, Venezuela, Panama, and several others.
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Taraji P. Henson, who plays the lead role, thanked viewers on Instagram for the overwhelming response:
“Y’all… whew. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for watching STRAW on @netflix. This one took me on a journey—deep, raw, real—and I’m so grateful it’s landing with you the way it landed with me.”
She continued,
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“To everyone who cried, reflected, and felt something… I see you. I feel you. That’s why we do this. STRAW is now #1 globally on Netflix—and that’s because of YOU.”
And she made sure to give ultimate credit where she felt it was due:
“GOD GETS ALL OF THE GLORY!!! Love y’all.”
The story of Straw follows Janiyah Wilkinson (Henson), a struggling single mother living in a run-down apartment with her ill daughter. After losing her job, facing eviction, and having her child taken by authorities, things spiral further when she’s wrongfully accused of robbery and a violent crime. The movie follows her mental and emotional unraveling as she fights to reunite with her daughter.
While audiences have shown strong support—Straw holds a 75% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes—critics haven’t been as kind. It currently holds a 46% critics score on the site, and some reviewers have accused Perry of falling back on his usual formula: troubled Black women overcoming impossible odds. Still, many agree that the acting, especially from Henson and co-stars Sherri Shepherd and Teyana Taylor, is powerful and moving. Some even praised the film’s surprise twist ending.
Criticism aside, Perry’s film is undeniably resonating with viewers. Whether it’s because of the raw emotion, the real-life struggles, or simply Henson’s captivating performance, Straw is being talked about everywhere—and watched by just about everyone.
If you haven’t streamed it yet, odds are someone close to you already has.
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