Debapriya Bhattacharya
Inspired by the Book of Ruth in the Bible, ‘Ruth & Boaz‘ is a modern-day retelling of the love story set in a small town in Tennessee. Serayah stars in the Alanna Brown directorial as Ruth, a singer who walks away from a potential record deal to earn the wrath of the influential people involved. As tragedy strikes her life, she moves away from Atlanta to the small town with her late boyfriend’s mother, Naomi (Phylicia Rashad), looking for a fresh start. She gains employment at a local vineyard owned by Bo “Boaz” Astra (Tyler Lepley), who immediately gets smitten by her. As their relationship takes shape, it faces the threat of Ruth’s past catching up with her. Netflix’s romantic drama is an exploration of the self, of love, and of new beginnings. If you are in search of movies similar to ‘Ruth & Boaz,’ the following list has been curated for you.
10. Dixie Chicks: Shut Up & Sing (2006)
‘Dixie Chicks: Shut Up & Sing,’ also known simply as ‘Shut Up & Sing,’ is a documentary made by Barbara Kopple and Cecilia Peck on the Dixie Chicks, an all-female country music band from Texas. Formed by Natalie Maines and sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer, the movie depicts the time Natalie publicly slammed President George W. Bush during a live 2003 concert in London as part of their Top of the World Tour, and its aftermath. Over the following three years, the trio was on the receiving end of intense public scrutiny, backlash, and threats, as well as pressure from corporations and conservative public officials. Their determined stance in continuing with their music is reminiscent of Ruth going back to her singing career in ‘Ruth & Boaz.’
9. Walk the Line (2005)
Based on the autobiographies ‘Johnny Cash: Man in Black: His Own Story in His Own Words’ and ‘Cash: The Autobiography,’ the James Mangold directorial, ‘Walk the Line,’ chronicles the life of country music legend Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix). Growing up on the family cotton farm in Arkansas with a strict father, Johnny arrives in Memphis, Tennessee, with his wife, Vivian (Ginnifer Goodwin), and finds fame working with Sun Records. While on tour, Cash meets and falls for singer June Carter (Reese Witherspoon), but their new relationship has its own challenges. Like ‘Ruth & Boaz,’ Cash’s story chronicles the singer building a life and career.
8. Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980)
Directed by Michael Apted and based on Loretta Lynn’s eponymous biography by George Vecsey, ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ stars Sissy Spacek as the country music icon. Born to a struggling family in rural Kentucky, Loretta gets married at 13. It is not until she is in her early 20s that she starts composing and singing her own songs, supported by her husband Oliver “Mooney” Lynn (Tommy Lee Jones). Gradually, she rises above small-time record deals to become a national singing sensation, going on tours across the US and belting out hit singles. The backing she receives from Oliver is similar to what Ruth gets from Boaz in ‘Ruth & Boaz.’
7. The Thing Called Love (1993)
Helmed by Peter Bogdanovich, ‘The Thing Called Love’ follows Miranda Presley (Samantha Mathis), an aspiring country music star who moves from New York to Nashville, Tennessee. Taking up a job as a waitress at a cafe to pay her bills, she meets other aspiring singers and songwriters. Two among them, James Wright (River Phoenix) and Kyle Davidson (Dermot Mulroney), start to vie for her heart. As Miranda tries to balance it all while working her way up the popularity ladder, she finds a friend in Linda Lue Linden (Sandra Bullock). Miranda’s journey in the new place mirrors that of Ruth in ‘Ruth & Boaz.’
6. Country Strong (2010)
‘Country Strong,’ directed by Shana Feste, centers around Kelly Canter (Gwyneth Paltrow), a country music star in rehab who gets charmed by young facility staff Beau Hutton (Garrett Hedlund), who also happens to be a talented musician. When Kelly’s manager husband, James (Tim McGraw), organizes her comeback tour, she decides to give Beau a chance to make a name for himself. Meanwhile, James brings along Chiles Stanton (Leighton Meester), a beauty queen with singing talent, whom he wants to give a break. As the tour begins, the romantic entanglements and personal conflicts threaten to derail all plans. Like ‘Ruth & Boaz,’ Kelly’s journey back to the top of the charts is marred by many obstacles.
5. Crazy Heart (2009)
Adapted from Thomas Cobb’s novel of the same name, ‘Crazy Heart’ marks the feature directorial debut of Scott Cooper. The story revolves around Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges), a country-music icon past his prime who spends his days working small gigs. When Blake comes across young journalist Jean Craddock (Maggie Gyllenhaal), who wishes to do a story on him, he unexpectedly gets involved with her romantically. This marks the beginning of another tumultuous phase in his career. Similar to ‘Ruth & Boaz,’ it is the introduction of a new person into Blake’s life that inspires him to carry on with his musical journey.
4. Tender Mercies (1983)
Helmed by Bruce Beresford, ‘Tender Mercies’ follows country singer Mac Sledge (Robert Duvall), who finds his life and career ruined by alcoholism. Estranged from his former wife and children, he turns up at a motel while on the road to recovery and finds himself short on cash. The widowed single-mother Rosa Lee (Tess Harper), who owns the place, offers him a job. Over the following days, Mac starts to fall for Rosa and develops a bond with her son. The film depicts the singer’s journey to rediscovering himself, much like ‘Ruth & Boaz.’
3. Pure Country (1992)
‘Pure Country,’ directed by Christopher Cain, marks the acting debut of country music star George Strait in the lead role of Dusty Wyatt Chandler. After getting disillusioned with the hollow bling associated with performances in big arenas, Dusty gives up performing and goes back to his hometown. He decides to get in touch with his roots and gets a job at a ranch, and over time, falls in love with the owner’s daughter, Lula Rogers (Lesley Ann Warren). As his manager increasingly pressures him to get back on the stage, Dusty is forced to make a difficult decision, much like Ruth in ‘Ruth & Boaz.’
2. Wild Rose (2018)
Directed by Tom Harper, ‘Wild Rose’ chronicles Rose-Lynn Harlan (Jessie Buckley), an aspiring country singer and single mother of two from Glasgow. Completing her stint in prison for smuggling drugs, she decides to follow her dream and travels to Nashville, Tennessee, working odd jobs on the way to fund her journey. Similar to Ruth in ‘Ruth & Boaz,’ Rose-Lynn faces great odds before discovering her true voice.
1. Forever My Girl (2018)
Based on Heidi McLaughlin’s eponymous novel, ‘Forever My Girl’ centers around Liam Page (Alex Roe), a country music star from Louisiana who left his fiancée Josie Swan (Jessica Rothe) at the altar eight years ago in pursuit of his career. Even after achieving the fame he desperately sought, Liam fails to move on from Josie and returns to his hometown. However, the people he left behind remember the pain he caused and refuse to welcome him with open arms. ‘Forever My Girl’ mirrors ‘Ruth & Boaz’ in many ways, from a country singer being at the heart of the narrative to the loss and rediscovery of love.
