“Ruth & Boaz” Reimagines Biblical Truths

Love, they say, is the greatest gift of all. It endures, hopes, and triumphs in the face of adversity. It conquers evil and that seems to be the message behind Netflix’s new faith-based romance film Ruth & Boaz. 

Based on the Biblical love story of Ruth and Boaz, and the trials of Ruth and Naomi, the film stays close to its source material while offering a heartfelt retelling that resonates with its target audience. It is easily one of the most wholesome watches on the streaming service in recent times.

The plot revolves around Ruth (Serayah), a talented singer navigating Atlanta’s competitive music scene with her roommate and best friend, Breana (Nijah Brenea). Together, they form the hip-hop duo 404 and are on the verge of signing an eight-figure deal with music legend Jermaine Dupri, CEO of So Def Records. Their manager, Syrus (James Lee Thomas), views the deal as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But something doesn’t sit right with Ruth—while their music appeals to the masses, it conflicts with her faith. When she voices her concerns to her boyfriend and Syrus, neither supports her. In fact, Syrus threatens to harm her if she leaves 404.

Ruth eventually walks away from the deal, and Syrus retaliates by orchestrating a carjacking that kills her boyfriend and his father. Devastated, her boyfriend’s mother, Naomi (Phylicia Rashad), relocates to her hometown of Pegram, Tennessee, to start anew—and Ruth follows her. The two women learn to adapt to their new life together, and Ruth finds work on a vineyard harvesting grapes. There, she meets Boaz (Tyler Lepley), the owner of the vineyard, who takes an immediate liking to her. Their relationship begins with a slight push-and-pull dynamic but soon blossoms into something pure and steadfast. Despite adversity—and the devil’s trials, quite literally—their love prevails, culminating in a beautiful, faith-rooted union.

Producers Tyler Perry and DeVon Franklin ensure that Ruth & Boaz remains faithful to its Biblical inspiration. The original story tells of Ruth and Naomi, a daughter-in-law and mother-in-law who both lose their husbands. Naomi decides to return from Moab to Bethlehem after hearing that the famine there has ended, and Ruth insists on accompanying her—famously declaring, “Where you go, I will go” (Ruth 1:16). Once in Bethlehem, Ruth gleans leftover grain from the fields, where she meets Boaz, a kind and wealthy man who admires her loyalty and diligence. Their eventual marriage leads to the birth of a son who becomes a forefather of Jesus Christ. The film reflects this story with remarkable accuracy, even incorporating direct scripture references. Such faithfulness to the Biblical text gives Ruth & Boaz an authenticity rarely seen in modern faith films.

What stands out most is how the film portrays the emotional and spiritual journey of its characters. Ruth is a woman shaped by loss and heartbreak, yet she channels her pain into faith and song. Boaz, having endured his own share of sorrow, meets her where she is—with understanding, patience, and grace. He is depicted as the ideal man: kind, respectful, patient, and deeply rooted in faith. His care for Ruth—helping her rebuild her career, introducing her to Grammy-winning producer Babyface, and ensuring she has equity in his business—reflects love as defined in scripture: selfless and enduring.

Serayah and Tyler Lepley bring warmth and sincerity to their roles, grounding their chemistry in emotional realism. Phylicia Rashad, as Naomi, delivers a powerful performance imbued with strength and maternal wisdom. Her portrayal adds emotional depth, making Naomi both mentor and protector.

Music serves as the film’s emotional core. It functions as Ruth’s truth-teller—a vessel for her faith, grief, and rebranding. The soundtrack, featuring original tracks like Goodness of God, Wildflowers, and the “Boaz anthem” Faithful, beautifully complements the film’s themes of love, hope, and divine purpose. The soundtrack, now available on all major streaming platforms, extends the film’s uplifting message beyond the screen.

That said, Ruth & Boaz could have benefited from a slower romantic build-up. The love story unfolds almost instantly, leaving little room for emotional layering or deeper conflict resolution. Ruth never fully confides in Boaz about her past or her disillusionment with the Atlanta music scene, and the couple never truly address the power imbalance in their relationship, a theme that’s briefly acknowledged by Ruth but ultimately glossed over. A slower pacing might have given the story more realism, and not the idealistic utopia it painted.

Still, Ruth & Boaz succeeds in what it sets out to do, tell a timeless story of love, faith, and hope. And sometimes, that’s all that matters.

Ruth & Boaz is still streaming on Netflix.

Release Date: September 26, 2025
Runtime: 1 hour 33 minutes
Streaming Service: Netflix

Director: Alanna Brown
Cast: Serayah, Tyler Lepley, Phylicia Rashad, Babyface, Jermaine Dupri, Gregory Alan Williams, Walnette Santiago, Nijah Brenea, James Lee Thomas, Lecrae Moore, and Yung Joc