In Tyler Perry’s STRAW, a powerful emotional drama wrapped in suspense, Tyler Perry delivers one of his most grounded and intense stories yet. The film centers around Monica Straw (played by Taraji P. Henson), a single mother, former social worker, and recovering alcoholic who is desperately trying to rebuild her life in rural Georgia after a series of personal tragedies.
The story begins with Monica securing a job as a janitor at the local courthouse while trying to regain custody of her 10-year-old son, Jayden, who now lives with her estranged sister, Denise (played by Gabrielle Union). Monica is attending court-mandated therapy and fighting to stay clean, but her patience and resilience are tested when she discovers a mysterious case file accidentally left behind on a courtroom bench.
The file involves a wealthy pastor, Reverend Elijah Monroe (Sterling K. Brown), a highly respected figure in town, whose charity is secretly involved in human trafficking and money laundering. As Monica quietly investigates, she’s torn between doing what’s right and keeping her fragile life on track. Her own lawyer (played by Tyler Perry himself in a grounded, non-comedic role) warns her not to get involved, but Monica refuses to let the truth stay buried — not when she knows children are being hurt.
Monica becomes entangled in a dark web of corruption, blackmail, and betrayal. The deeper she digs, the more danger she attracts — especially when she realizes her sister Denise’s new lavish lifestyle may be funded by Monroe’s hidden operations. As her own family begins turning against her, Monica hits rock bottom again — but instead of giving in, she fights back harder.
The “final straw” comes during an intense courtroom climax where Monica, acting as her own witness, risks everything by exposing Reverend Monroe with the very evidence she uncovered. The truth shocks the town, leading to Monroe’s arrest and a federal investigation that shakes the region’s power structure.
The film ends on a hopeful note: Monica regains partial custody of Jayden, and begins a nonprofit program to support abused women and expose systemic corruption. Straw is less about the scandal and more about the strength it takes to say “enough.” In the end, it’s not the weight we carry, but the moment we refuse to carry it anymore — the final straw.
