Netflix’s Ruth and Boaz Review: A Modern Love Story with Gospel Vibes and Tyler Perry Drama

Rachel
2 days ago
3 min read

Man and woman smiling at each other in a sunlit forest. He wears a black shirt, and she wears a light blue shirt over a yellow tee.

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if the Book of Ruth was rebooted as a Southern love story with music, faith, and a little Tyler Perry flair, congratulations. Netflix has made that fever dream a reality with Ruth and Boaz. The question is — does it work, or is it just another preachy rom-dram with good lighting and gospel cameos?

Let’s break down what Ruth and Boaz brings to the table, who it’s for, and why people can’t stop talking about this Bible-meets-Atlanta-love-story mashup.

What Is Ruth and Boaz About?

At its core, Ruth and Boaz is a modern reimagining of the biblical tale of loyalty, loss, and redemptive love. Only this time, Ruth is a rising music star in Atlanta named Ruth Moably (played by Serayah), and Boaz is Bo Astra (Tyler Lepley), a small-town businessman with charm, patience, and perfect beard grooming.

After tragedy strikes, Ruth trades the stage for the countryside to care for Naomi — her late boyfriend’s mom — in rural Tennessee. It’s here that she crosses paths with Boaz, and cue the slow-burning romance set to a gospel-infused soundtrack.

Is it cheesy? Absolutely. Is it sweet? Also yes.

Performances: Faith and Chemistry on Display

Serayah does a lot of emotional heavy lifting here. She gives Ruth depth without turning her into a sermon on legs. Tyler Lepley as Boaz? Basically Hallmark meets southern gentleman with a moral compass. If you're here for believable chemistry and some heartfelt gazes across gospel choirs, you won't be disappointed.

Then there’s Phylicia Rashad as Naomi. She doesn’t have to say much — she just is, and every scene she’s in feels a little more elevated because of it.

Bonus points for all the cameos sprinkled throughout. Lecrae, Babyface, and Jermaine Dupri pop in like cool uncles at a church cookout, giving the film even more musical street cred.

Faith-Based Without Being Faith-Forced

Now, let’s talk tone. This is a faith-based film, but it doesn’t beat you over the head with scripture. It’s more about redemption, healing, and letting go of bitterness than quoting Bible verses every five minutes. That said, if you came looking for spiritual depth, you’ll find it — just not in a Sunday school kind of way.

If you’re allergic to anything remotely religious, you might roll your eyes. But honestly, Ruth and Boaz manages to walk that tightrope of being inspirational without turning into a 90-minute altar call.

The Good, The Predictable, and The Perry

Let’s be real. It’s a Tyler Perry production, so expect a certain level of gloss, emotional monologues, and some conveniently timed plot twists. The storytelling is straightforward and mostly predictable. But hey, not every film needs to reinvent the cinematic wheel. Sometimes you just want a feel-good love story with some soul.

The movie plays it safe, but in a comforting way. Think of it as cinematic chicken soup. You know exactly what you’re getting, and that’s kind of the point.

Is Ruth and Boaz Worth Watching on Netflix?

If you like faith-forward films, stories about emotional healing, or anything with Black Southern charm and a heavy gospel influence, Ruth and Boaz will hit the spot. It’s not trying to be Oscar bait. It’s here to tell a heartfelt story, shine a light on loyalty and love, and make you feel something by the time the credits roll.

For those who enjoy a modern retelling of a classic story, Ruth and Boaz is one of Netflix’s better entries into the faith and romance genre. It’s also a refreshing take that doesn’t rely on outdated tropes or melodrama — well, not too much.

Final Thoughts

Ruth and Boaz is exactly what it says on the tin — a modern love story rooted in faith, sprinkled with music, and dressed up in Tyler Perry polish. It’s not perfect, but it’s purposeful. And in a streaming world full of chaos and cliffhangers, sometimes a warm, redemptive story with gospel undertones is exactly what we need.

Ready to stream it or skip it? If your idea of a good time includes heartfelt redemption, Southern soul, and a love story built on more than just vibes, give Ruth and Boaz a go. Just maybe keep some tissues handy — and possibly your favorite church auntie on speed dial.

What did you think?