Straw, starring acclaimed actress Taraji P. Henson, has taken Netflix by storm, becoming the #1 most-watched film globally within just 48 hours of its release on June 6.
According to official Netflix data, Straw amassed over 25 million views and logged more than 45 million hours of watch time, a staggering feat that places it miles ahead of competitors. By comparison, Now You See Me, the 2013 fan-favorite that arrived on Netflix on June 1, garnered fewer than 5 million views during the same week.
The film’s breakout performance was matched by the emotional resonance it struck with audiences worldwide. Taraji P. Henson, who plays the lead role of Janiyah Wilkinson, took to Instagram to thank fans:
“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.”
“To everyone who cried, reflected, and felt something… I see you. I feel you. That’s why we do this.”
“GOD GETS ALL OF THE GLORY!!! Love y’all.”
What Is Straw About?
In Straw, Henson delivers a raw and riveting performance as Janiyah Wilkinson, a single mother navigating relentless personal and systemic hardship. Living in a crumbling apartment with her sick daughter, she faces job loss, eviction, child protective services, and a wrongful criminal accusation all within a short span of time.
The story chronicles Janiyah’s mental and emotional breakdown, and her desperate battle to reclaim her dignity, her child, and her future. Viewers have called it “a heartbreakingly honest reflection of survival against all odds.”
The film currently boasts a 75% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with viewers applauding its emotional depth, realistic portrayal of struggle, and Henson’s transformative performance.
Social media is buzzing with praise, with many highlighting how Straw gave them “a mirror into their own lives” and “left them speechless by the end credits.”
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