Straw: A Deeply Moving Film About the Struggles We Often Don’t See

Straw 2025, Flixtor, is a poignant and impactful film that narrates the journey of Janiyah, a single mother grappling with numerous challenges in her life. She has lost her employment, is unable to afford her rent, and her young daughter is gravely ill. Janiyah strives to remain resilient, yet she feels isolated and shattered. Lacking support and options, her mental well-being begins to deteriorate. One day, Janiyah visits the bank with her daughter’s school science project in hand. However, the bank personnel misinterpret the situation, believing she has brought something hazardous. Panic ensues rapidly, leading to the involvement of law enforcement. Janiyah attempts to clarify the misunderstanding, but the circumstances escalate into a more serious and distressing scenario. From this point onward, the film intensifies emotionally. As the narrative unfolds, a devastating revelation comes to light—Janiyah’s daughter had actually passed away some time ago. Janiyah has been envisioning her daughter throughout the ordeal, unable to confront her grief. This revelation alters the entire narrative and infuses it with profound sorrow. Straw transcends being merely a film about a single day in a bank; it delves into themes of suffering, mourning, and the challenges of navigating life in solitude. It poignantly illustrates a mother’s profound love and the immense burden of losing a cherished one.