REVIEW: Ruth and Boaz Mesh Modern R3alism with Timeless Romance



BY MONA AUSTIN 

In the latest Netflix release co-produced by Tyler Perry and Devon Franklin, the age-old story of Ruth and Boaz is reborn—this time not B.C., but in the heart of a modern, urban landscape that pulses with real-life challenges, heartbreak, and hope. Starring Tyler Lepley, Seraya and Felicia Rashad, the  bold retelling of a  biblical story that trades sandals for sneakers, as two women embark on a new life after their significant others are killed Yet at its core, the film remains faithful to the message of resilience, redemption, and unexpected love.

Realism That Resonates

What makes this film a standout is its use of realism. Franklin, who had hus hand in casting and  creative aspects of the film, doesn't sugarcoat how far people wil go to survive loss or  displacement. Instead, he grounds Ruth’s story in situations many viewers will recognize: economic hardship, fractured families, and the painful process of starting over. She chooses to tag along  with Naomi, the mother of her boyfriend who was gunned down in a car jacking with his father. Both women must start over just as the Bible portrays. Naomi is reimagined as a bitter widow who loses faith in God.  Ruth, an aspiring singer who leaves Atlanta after she breaks her contract, is a yoing woman of quiet strenghth. She get blessed with the full package when shebwqs not evwn looking for it -- a handsome man with means, money and character whonus willing to lover her unconditionally, protect and provide for her. 

A Story Beyond Romance

Yes, the story includes romance—but the strong subplots forcw the story tp go beyond the love story level.  It is hard to concentrate solely on the budding relationship between the two main characters when Ruth has broken a contract and her former manager tracks her down threqtenjng to take out Naimi afer he was ties tj the death of her husband and son. Once Lepley sets his eyes on Ruth he makes a mental mark in her for his future and hers never stop pursuung her. You don’t have to be in a relationship to feel seen or inspired by this story. That alone makes it more accessible than many faith-based films that often lean too heavily into idealized love stories.

Naomi's part (played by Phtlicia Rashad) also brings further depth to the viewing experience. Her narration provides sage wisdom that can apply to life in general.   Rashad's performance as the storyteller and character within it is commendable. She owned the part, bringing feeling to what it means to  be an aging woman with no bookends -- her whole world  shattered. Through tears and silent physical  reactions -- not words -- she conveyed a gamut of emotions that come when the unimaginable happens and you are left with nothing.  She had only learned that the company she helo her husband build was failing after his death, leaving her no choice but to move back from a mansuin to a starter home in another state, Tennessee. The lesson she teaches, among otger thungs, is about processibg grief one day at a time.

Representation and Relevance

In this modern-day  environment, the film reflects the diversity and depth of  Black people. Boaz is a vintner employeeing people of various races to harvest grapes. Characters speak in today’s language, wear today's cloths yet grapple with  timeless conflicts. This cultural translation of a biblical tale feels fresh and grounded—proof that faith-based storytelling doesn’t have to be stuck in the past to be powerful.

Critique

"Ruth and Boaz" does not address how Ruth broke her contract and fled without makjng a concrete arrangement to repay the debt. She had been warned of potential consequences Understandably, out of fear she fled with no intentuon of looking back. In doing so sheqrongfully  placed a financual burden on someone elseYet, she She gave This part of  the story could have been reconciled  for a ministry moment.  

Main Takeaways

Devon Franklin’s retelling of Ruth and Boaz isn’t just a film—it’s a mirror. This mirror reflects secular ideals, asking us to reconsider what love, faith, and loyalty look like in real life. With strong performances, thoughtful writing, and a story that reaches across both time and circumstance, this film isn’t just for believers—it’s for anyone who’s ever had to rebuild, wait, or hope. One of the film’s biggest triumphs is its ability to extract and emphasize the deeper meaning behind Ruth and Boaz’s connection: loyalty, faith, integrity, and timing. 

Look for  cameo appearance throughout the movie inclhding Babyface, Jermaine Dupri and Lecrae

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Powerful, relatable, and refreshingly grounded in modern truth.