Tyler Perry’s newest film, Straw, tells the story of someone you might walk past every day without realizing the depth of their struggle. Janiyah, played powerfully by Taraji P. Henson, is the quintessential Tyler Perry heroine, a woman doing her best to hold it all together while life relentlessly stacks the odds against her. As the pressure builds to a breaking point, Janiyah is forced to confront the unimaginable.
“She’s just trying to survive, trying to be a great mom to her daughter, and then life circumstances put her in this impossible situation,” Perry shared with Netflix. “I think so many people, regardless of race or gender, can relate to that feeling of being at their last straw.”
Taraji is the heartbeat of this film. She carries the emotional weight of Janiyah’s journey with such grace and depth, you feel everything. Her performance is raw, honest, and magnetic. You simply can’t look away when she’s on screen. “Every time I start writing, I see a face,” Perry added. “And with Janiyah, I saw Taraji clearly from the start. From her first line, I knew it had to be her.” He sent her the script, and Taraji didn’t hesitate: “I love it. I’m in. Let’s do it.”
For the red carpet, Taraji stunned in a daring brown gown accented with bold gold accessories. Her cropped hair was sleek and elegant, perfectly complementing the ensemble. The glam team nailed the makeup, absolutely flawless. And that open-side detailing on the dress? Risky, sexy, and executed to perfection. She looked every bit the star she is!
Taraji was wearing a Stephane Rolland SS23 Couture, nice!
(Photos by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Netflix)
