Love, Faith, and Representation: Ruth & Boaz Brings a Fresh Vision to Netflix

Ruth & Boaz starring Serayah and Tyler Lepley

THAheadline had the opportunity to attend a special press screening of Ruth & Boaz, the highly anticipated film produced by DeVon Franklin in collaboration with Tyler Perry. Arriving on Netflix September 26, the project breathes new life into one of the Bible’s most cherished love stories, reimagined for today’s world.

From the very first scene, Ruth & Boaz draws viewers in with a depiction of love that feels both tender and powerful — not transactional, but rooted in patience, faith, and genuine care. Set against the vibrant backdrop of modern-day Tennessee, the film leans into authenticity, presenting a version of love that is both relatable and aspirational.

Although set in Tennessee, the film was shot in just 20 days at a vineyard near Atlanta, and the film strikes a balance between intimacy and scale, never losing sight of the heart at its center. Lead actors Tyler Lepley and Serayah McNeill deliver standout performances, bringing depth, vulnerability, and undeniable chemistry to their roles. Their connection feels magnetic yet grounding — a reflection of love that meets people exactly where they are.

Serayah shines as Ruth Moably, a rising hip-hop artist whose career takes a heartbreaking turn after tragedy. Seeking healing, she leaves the spotlight of Atlanta behind and moves to Tennessee to care for her late boyfriend’s mother, Naomi. Along the way, she confronts her own grief and wrestles with questions of identity, loyalty, and renewal.

Opposite her, Tyler Lepley embodies Boaz — or simply “Bo” — a steady presence whose resilience and kindness become both anchor and catalyst in Ruth’s journey. Through their evolving bond, the film explores themes of second chances, chosen family, and the kind of love that restores.

Together, Serayah and Lepley offer a fresh take on a classic story — showing that even in seasons of loss, love and purpose can emerge in the most unexpected places.

Ruth & Boaz Q&A moderated by Erica Campbell, and features DeVon Franklin, Serayah, and Tyler Lepley.

Inside the Q&A: Love, Faith, and Representation

Following the screening, the cast and creators sat down for a Q&A session moderated by singer-songwriter Erica Campbell, which went beyond surface-level promotion, tapping into the heart of the project.

Franklin explained the motivation behind the film: to challenge transactional depictions of relationships and showcase love in its purest, unconditional form. “Real love meets you where you are,” one speaker shared, “without requiring you to level up just to deserve it.”

The panel also discussed:

• A Fast Yet Purposeful Shoot: Despite the quick 20-day filming schedule, the team emphasized that intention guided every step of production.

• Authenticity in Storytelling: Tyler and Serayah spoke on the importance of portraying Black love not just as passion, but as a source of stability and growth.

• Representation Matters: Franklin highlighted the mission to expand faith-based films by centering diverse voices and narratives — ensuring that Black creators and love stories have a space in mainstream storytelling.

• Personal Connections: One person in the audience drew parallels between their own life and the film’s storyline, reinforcing how universal the themes of love, faith, and resilience truly are.

Perhaps the most powerful takeaway was the call to action. The creators encouraged audiences to watch on September 26th, host watch parties, and spread the word on social media. Their goal: to show Netflix — and Hollywood at large — that there is a vibrant audience for faith-based, diverse, and love-centered storytelling.

Cast of Ruth & Boaz

The ensemble cast of Ruth & Boaz includes: 

• Serayah (Empire, Kingdom Business)

• Tyler Lepley (Harlem, P-Valley)

• Phylicia Rashad (The Gilded Age, The Beekeeper)

• Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds

• Gregalan Williams (Chicago Med, The Righteous Gemstones)

• Nijah Brenea (Forever, Kold x Windy)

• Walnette Santiago (Doom Patrol, BMF)

• James Lee Thomas (One Spoon of Chocolate, Bad Boys: Ride or Die)

• Christopher Broughton

• Jermaine Dupri (Genius: Aretha, Brown Sugar)

• Chaundre Hall-Broomfield (Kingdom Business, Law & Order)

Ruth & Boaz starring Serayah and Tyler Lepley

Why It Matters

More than just a film, Ruth & Boaz is part of a cultural movement to broaden the scope of faith-driven storytelling. For audiences seeking something deeper than cookie-cutter romance arcs, this film offers a refreshing alternative — one rooted in authenticity, purpose, and unconditional love.

Mark your calendars: Ruth & Boaz streams on Netflix September 26th. Join the conversation: Use your platforms to celebrate and share — because the more we support authentic storytelling, the more of it we’ll get.