Producers Tyler Perry and DeVon Franklin bring the story of Ruth and Boaz into the present with Ruth & Boaz, a modern-day retelling of the biblical love story, and the chemistry is palpable. As Phylicia Rashad’s narration in the trailer up top reminds us, every love story starts with truth, with trust, and sometimes with tragedy. Let Ruth and Boaz’s romance wash over you, as the film is now streaming on Netflix.
“I’m thrilled to kick off my partnership with DeVon Franklin with Ruth & Boaz,” says Perry. “I couldn’t be more excited for the world to get this look at such a powerful love story. I can’t wait for audiences everywhere to experience the film.”
Directed by Alanna Brown (Trees of Peace) and written by Michael Elliot (Brown Sugar) and Cory Tynan (Play’d), the upcoming film is part of Franklin and Tyler Perry Studios’ creative partnership with Netflix, in which they’ll produce faith-based films under a multi-year and multi-picture first-look deal. Ruth & Boaz is executive-produced by Angi Bones, Tony L. Strickland, and Bart Lipton.
“I’m so excited to be working with DeVon on this and future projects,” Perry says. “I think in this polarizing world, and at a time when the world seems to be growing colder every day, we both share the common goal of wanting to spread some good. And there’s no better place than Netflix.”
“Tyler and I have been great friends for over 15 years,” Franklin adds, “so when he called me to team up on movies that can uplift the human spirit, I jumped at the chance and we couldn’t have a better partner than Netflix to help us inspire the world. Ruth & Boaz has been a true labor of love. This classic story has held such deep meaning for me and so many others for generations. I’m beyond excited for audiences to experience this film!”
Read on for more information about the faith-based feature Ruth & Boaz, and meet the cast below.
Ruth & Boaz is a contemporary version of the story of Ruth and Boaz, one of the most iconic love stories in the Bible. Set in Tennessee, Ruth & Boaz tells the story of a young woman who escapes the Atlanta music scene to care for an elderly widowed woman, and in the process finds the love of her life and gains the mother she never had. “Usually with a love story, the main character meets their love interest within the first 10 minutes of the film,” says Brown. “This script was crafted such that the person Ruth meets around minute 10 is actually Naomi. The Ruth and Naomi love story is set up to be just as important as the Ruth and Boaz love story. Ultimately, it’s Naomi who leads Ruth to Boaz, so those two pieces are woven together.”
The ensemble cast of Ruth & Boaz includes:
A soulful, talented singer with a complex past, Ruth is determined to find her voice while navigating the challenges of faith, love, and the pressures of the music industry.
“Establishing the needed chemistry between Ruth and Boaz was a top priority for me from the casting process. We did rounds of chemistry reads and I knew Serayah and Tyler were the two leads we were looking for,” says Brown. “Their chemistry was easy. They are both such fantastic actors and so committed to their craft, I was really fortunate to work with them.”
Empire, Kingdom Business
A handsome and muscled 40-year-old, Bo is the refined yet rugged owner of Azra Vineyard & Winery, dedicated to making his business succeed.
Harlem, P-Valley
Naomi is devastated by the tragic loss of her husband and son. Though she initially disapproves of Ruth, her heart begins to soften as Ruth cares for her with unwavering loyalty.
The Gilded Age, The Beekeeper
Lena is a vineyard worker with a no-nonsense attitude who befriends Ruth
Doom Patrol, BMF
Ruth’s confident and fiery partner in the hip-hop duo 404 is unafraid to take risks to make it to the top.
Kold x Windy
The slick manager of 404 uses his charm and ruthlessness to control the careers of his artists.
One Spoon of Chocolate
Featured in a cameo role, the 13-time Grammy winner has also written, recorded and produced the new song “Faithful” featured in the film and on the five-song companion EP.
“I felt honored to direct him in his acting debut, and he’s a natural,” says Brown. “He had ideas about his dialogue and delivery and I let him take the lead on that.”
Brown confirms that the scene where Babyface and Ruth sing together was actually a live performance. “It was absolutely magical. Everyone on the set was entranced by the two of them at the piano together,” says the director. “I think doing it live made for such an emotional performance.”
The legendary CEO of So So Def Recordings, who sees potential in 404 and offers the duo their chance at stardom.
Genius: Aretha, Brown Sugar
A charismatic producer with undeniable street cred, Sauce sets the tone in Atlanta’s hottest clubs, making him a vital part of the city's hip-hop scene.
The confident and engaging master of ceremonies at the hottest club in Atlanta, where the stage is set for major music performances and industry connections.
Ruth & Boaz is inspired by the Biblical love story of Ruth and Boaz. The film’s screenplay was written by Michael Elliot and Cory Tynan. Ruth & Boaz opens with voice-over narration by Phylicia Rashad, who declares that “finding love, true love, is one of God’s greatest wonders.” She shares that viewers are about to watch a love story unfold, straight from the Book of Ruth.
Music is intertwined with the story of Ruth & Boaz, as Serayah’s character Ruth strives to make music that comes from her soul. To celebrate the film’s release, you can now listen to the five-song companion EP. See all the tracks you can listen to on the EP below:
Ruth & Boaz is now streaming.
You can catch up with a few of Perry’s recent film releases on Netflix: A Madea Homecoming, A Jazzman’s Blues, Mea Culpa, and his most recent movie, The Six Triple Eight.
