Straw is a dramatic and intense drama that takes the audience into the troubled mind of Janiyah Wiltkinson as she fights hardships, poverty, and loneliness from everywhere in her life. Instead of creating a movie that distracts, it exposes us to the tough lives of families on the margins without trying to hide anything. By using confined filming and intense sound, the creators make sure the viewer identifies with Janiyah’s growing feelings.
The best part of the movie is how the main role is handled by the lead actress, who perfectly reflects the elements of worry, brief hope, and constant emotional strain. Their varied roles help express the weaknesses of society and the little kindness that appears now and then. Each scene is carefully planned, steering viewers through the mayhem while low-key colors in the film show just how dark Janiyah’s life is and help hint at sweet moments. Through the score, the composer highlights Cora’s inner worries without controlling the rest of the film.
The movie left a strong impression on me chiefly because of how it explored how we view reality compared to what really exists. Through the use of hallucinations and illusions, the story shows how Janiyah’s mind is broken, making it unclear as to what is real and what hasn’t happened yet. Although the movie is suspenseful and full of emotion, it’s an important film that makes the audience care and admire people facing internal problems. It creates a strong memory, pointing out how key compassion is in tough times.
