Mara Kosac

It’s telling that most of the negative reviews for Straw come from men. I actually appreciate that the director is a man—one of the few who clearly shows empathy and awareness. Regardless of what you think about the acting—whether it feels exaggerated or not—or how the plot unfolds, this film delivers a powerful message: the strength and solidarity of women in the face of a patriarchal, racist system. It highlights how, even in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, simply surviving can be an uphill battle—especially for women. Juggling multiple jobs, dealing with a broken healthcare system, enduring misogyny just for existing, doing everything “right” by society’s standards and still barely holding it together. This hit me hard. I got emotional. And honestly, I just hope it reaches at least one man—opens his eyes, even for a moment—to understand a reality he’ll never have to live through.