Is Tyler Perry's Impactful Straw 'A Dead End for Black Women'?

      (Spoiler alert: This article and the accompanying podcast contain spoilers for Tyler Perry’s Straw.)

      The title of Tyler Perry’s Straw is misleading. It appears to reference a single mother named Janiyah (Taraji P. Henson) who is driven to extremes by a metaphorical straw that breaks the camel's back. However, as the film reveals late in the story, she is actually propelled over the edge by a devastating trauma that dismantles her entire life.

      In the latest episode of the Low Key podcast, hosts Keith, Aaron, and Tim entertain the idea that the entire movie may take place in Hell — similar to Jean-Paul Sartre’s 1944 existentialist play No Exit. You can listen to it wherever you find your podcasts, or right here:

      The bleak message of Last Exit is “L’enfer, c’est les autres” — translating to “Hell is other people,” indicating that the worst fate is being trapped with other humans, the ultimate tormentors.

      No Exit predominantly unfolds in a single room where three characters are confined together for eternity. Meanwhile, Tyler Perry’s film largely occurs at a bank called Benevolent Bank and Trust, where Janiyah inadvertently takes hostages, including the kind bank manager Nicole (Sherri Shepherd).

      On the surface, the movie doesn't seem to lean towards supernatural themes — but its surprisingly twisty finale makes us reconsider everything we've previously witnessed.

      Additionally: The Top 5 Movie Twist Endings of All Time

      It’s no surprise that the film has garnered significant attention: In its second week, it doubled its audience to nearly 50 million viewers, establishing itself as Netflix’s top movie hit of the year.

      What About the Ending of Straw?

      With this success has come the typical influx of "Tyler Perry’s Straw Ending Explained" articles that the Internet produces for every film, regardless of how clear its conclusion may be.

      However, for Straw, the numerous explanations for the ending are warranted — as it is genuinely challenging to understand. It almost insists that viewers rewind and rewatch the movie — or at least some crucial opening scenes — for clarity.

      As we mention in the podcast, regardless of personal opinions on Perry, it's worth acknowledging that he recognized the immense need for representation within his primary audience of Black women, who had been largely overlooked until he carved out a successful niche creating films designed to entertain, uplift, and relate to them. This new film continues his extensive portfolio of over two decades focused primarily on Black women.

      Moreover, it is a commendable tribute to single mothers and serves as a deserved rebuke to those who intentionally complicate their lives.

      Perry’s film also delivers a compelling critique of individuals in various professions — from police officers to grocery store managers — who are willing to sacrifice their humanity for career advancement. Indeed, Hell is represented by other people when they compromise their souls.

      Yet, the film also suggests that people can be the way out of Hell — particularly those who prioritize humanity over work, bending rules and offering support to those in need. It’s an engaging watch, and we hope our discussion about Straw proves to be equally interesting.

      This episode also branches out into various other subjects, including movie twists and their effectiveness. We touch on films like Fight Club, The Sixth Sense, and The Usual Suspects.

      Additionally, we dive into the enjoyment of the Den of Thieves series, and there’s a somewhat extended tangent on the pronunciation of “San Pedro,” the area in Los Angeles where Gerard Butler’s character's family resides in the film.

      We conclude with appreciation for Tubi’s new film Flew’d Out and for fantasy author Brandon Sanderson’s works. If you enjoy what you hear, please subscribe, share with a friend, or do as you wish.

      Main image: Taraji P. Henson in Tyler Perry’s Straw.