Ruth & Boaz: Is the Netflix film inspired by real events? Here’s what we know

Ruth & Boaz is a romantic drama film that was released on Netflix on September 26, 2025. The film is directed by Alanna Brown, with Michael Elliot and Cory Tynan being the writers. Tyler Perry and DeVon Franklin produce it under their respective banners. Here's the official synopsis as mentioned on Letterboxd:

A talented singer leaves the Atlanta music scene and starts over in small-town Tennessee, where she finds love and new purpose but can’t escape the past.

There have been reports that the film is inspired by real events. Let us find the question to that answer.

Is Ruth & Boaz based on real events?

Ruth & Boaz is loosely based on the Book of Ruth from the Old Testament of the Bible. The story is about a lady named Naomi who goes to Bethlehem after the demise of her husband and two wards.

The titular character Ruth was married to Mahlon, who is the son of Naomi. She rejects the offer to leave the house and decides to stay with her mother-in-law. In Bethlehem, Ruth comes across Boaz and the two decide to marry.

Ruth & Boaz is a modern-day adaptation of the above-mentioned Bible tale. In the film, Ruth used to work in foster care and is now a singer. Right before getting her big break in Atlanta music, she leaves after coming across the rude producer. The producer ends up threatening her. In a bout of revenge, the producer gets her boyfriend, Marlon, as well as his father k*lled.

The makers have made significant changes to make the story more relevant and contemporary for the general public.

Speaking to Netflix, producer DeVon Franklin said:

“Tyler and I have been great friends for over 15 years, 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, and I’m grateful to finally share this first look with the world. This classic story has held such deep meaning for me and so many others for generations.”

While there are changes, both tales touch upon the importance of love. In a Variety interview, Serayah, who plays Ruth, spoke about the same.

“Falling in love is also a parallel in my real life. You never know where things are going to lead you. When you’re open enough to receive and let your guard down, you realize you have to stop fighting yourself. I have to stop fighting divinity. I have to give in. There’s something beautiful on the other side of that.”

The director and producers reviewed hundreds of audition tapes for all the characters before narrowing down to a handful of names. Tyler Lepley plays the role of Boaz, while Phylicia Rashad is Naomi in the film.

Ruth & Boaz is currently streaming on Netflix.