If you’ve watched Straw, the new Tyler Perry drama now streaming on Netflix, then you already know: Taraji P. Henson delivers one of the most emotionally gripping performances of her career.
From the moment she steps into the frame, it’s clear this isn’t just another role — it’s a full-body, full-soul experience. And by the time she reaches that unforgettable bank scene, it’s hard not to cry right along with her.
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A Scene So Powerful, It Moved the Cameraman to Tears
In a recent interview, Taraji opened up about just how real things got on set. She revealed that during the intense bank monologue, where her character reaches her emotional breaking point, the man behind the camera had tears in his eyes — nodding silently as he captured the moment.
“Forget about the words, the words will come,” she explained. “You just have to know who the person you’re portraying is… why you’re saying this monologue, and why the writer chose this moment in the story.”
Taraji also shared that while some of that powerful monologue was scripted, much of it was improvised — a true testament to her mastery as an actress who knows how to live through a character.
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A Role That Demanded Everything
In a heartfelt Instagram caption, the Oscar-nominated actress reflected on what it took to bring Strawto life.
“Bringing Straw to life was a whole experience,” she wrote. “I had to go there — emotionally, spiritually — to do this story justice. I don’t take it lightly when a character asks me to feel everything… and baby, I felt it.”
From the outside looking in, viewers saw a raw and real depiction of a woman pushed to her limits. But for Taraji, it was much deeper than just acting — it was a spiritual undertaking.
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Why Straw Is a Must-Watch
Straw tells the story of survival, desperation, and humanity — themes that Tyler Perry weaves together through grounded storytelling and complex characters. But it’s Taraji’s soul-stirring performance that anchors the film, making it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates powerful, character-driven cinema.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Henson’s work or simply love stories that hit you right in the heart, Straw is one of the most emotionally resonant films to come out of Netflix this year.
