An Upclose view on Taraji’s style looks and role in Tyler Perry’s new movie, Straw.
Taraji P. Henson styled in monsemaison x postimperial, by pi_niyi
The buzz around Taraji’s raw, emotionally charged performance as Janiyah in Straw is deafening. Critics and audiences alike are calling it “heart‑wrenching,” with plot turns described as “insane” and some even pitching Oscar campaigns already.
“‘It’s more Black trauma!’ Well, we have a lot of it. The only way to heal is to talk about it.” She added, “I often hear people criticizing [Perry], claiming, ‘It’s just more Black trauma!’ Well, there is a lot of it to address. The only route to healing is through discussion.”
Taraji’s response to frequent criticism on Tyler Perry’s Straw
Taraji P. Henson and Tyler Perry on the red carpet “Tyler Perry’s Straw” premiere
Taraji herself defended Perry’s vision, citing the importance of trauma in storytelling for healing. She noted the safe, creative environment Tyler Perry fostered and applauded the more hopeful ending they chose. With the revelation that Janiyah’s daughter was a hallucination, punctuated by a nerve‑rattling bank standoff, Taraji rises to the challenge, delivering the performance of her career.
“She [Janiyah] was a woman who felt unseen and unheard. These narratives are vital because they highlight the existence of such individuals, letting them know they are not alone.”
Can we delve a bit into Taraji’s glamour recently? At the 2025 Met Gala, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” Taraji subverted expectations in a Monse x Post‑Imperial white corset‑plus‑blazer with tails—daringly pants‑free. She later said she ditched the trousers to showcase her hard‑earned legs, creating a Josephine Baker meets Cab Calloway vibe.
“But I had been in the gym, and I had been working my butt off. And I was like, ‘You know, maybe we don’t need the pants so I can show what I’ve been working on.’ … But not only that, I wanted to have a nice mix between feminine and masculine. So it literally was like Josephine Baker from the waist down and Cab Calloway from the waist up.”
Taraji Henson explained her decision
Taraji P. Henson in Monse for the 2025 MetGala Red Carpet
At Cannes’ amFAR gala and premiere events, Taraji stunned in a yellow Oscar de la Renta strapless gown—bold enough to split opinion. It drew gasps of “spectacular” and whispers of a “mid‑life crisis,” with some fans debating whether it looked like a rubber swim cap. Critics loved the fearless choice; even if the shade divided opinion, the confidence in her stride was undeniable.
Taraji P. Henson dressed for the Cannes’ amFAR gala
Taraji’s portrayal of Janiyah channels her lived experiences and shines a light on systemic failure. At the same time, she’s thinking inside the tailor box while breaking its doors off. Whether empowering girls through mental‑health advocacy or sending financings from Bali to Cannes, Henson’s legacy is bold authenticity and fearless in every direction.
