This Netflix film, directed by Alanna Brown, reworks the Bible’s Book Of Ruth for today’s times, and retains its themes of love, loyalty and family bonds.
When singer Ruth (Serayah McNeill) is first seen, she is in skimpy clothes and pink wig, preparing to perform on stage, in Atlanta, with her friend Breana (Nijah Brenea). Her boyfriend’s mother, Naomi (Phylicia Rashad) is unimpressed, makes her disdain clear and hopes her son would choose better.
Ruth is unhappy with the music she is being forced to create, and walks out on her reptilian producer, Syrus (James Lee Thomas). Furious at her, he lashes out at the people she loves, which results in the (offscreen) deaths of her boyfriend and his father.
A devastated Naomi, on losing her home, moves back to her original home in rural Tennessee and loses her faith in the process of coping with such crushing loss. Ruth insists on accompanying her, ignoring Naomi’s protests.
The old house is ramshackle, and neither woman has any money. Ruth fails to get any other job except grape picking at a vineyard.
She makes friends at the vineyard and catches the eye of the owner, Boaz (Tyler Lepley). Ruth is prickly with all male attention, including thr handsome boss, who is gentle and respectful towards her.
Still, a tender romance develops, and though evil and tragedy in the form of Syrus follows her, love triumphs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXPxYr5Efn4
Which is the point the film makes too, that no matter how tough life may be, love and faith are eventually the solution.
It’s watchable, and the beauty of farm life captured with simplicity. If melodrama is kept to a minimum, the problem with Ruth And Boaz, is that it’s too low key. The shock and desperation in the lives of the two women is not moving enough, and the romance barely goes above the insipid.
Still, the characters are likeable and the actors gorgeous, so one roots for them anyway, and hope they will be able to shake off the ill luck dogging their lives. The relationship between the two women has a warmth and honesty that makes the film watchable.
Ruth And Boaz
Directed by Alanna Brown
Cast: Serayah McNeill, Tyler Lepley, Phylicia Rashad and others
On Netflix
Directed by Alanna Brown
Cast: Serayah McNeill, Tyler Lepley, Phylicia Rashad and others
On Netflix
