Tyler Perry’s “Loose and Boaz” on Netflix

“Loose and Boaz” is a new film from Tyler Perry, co-produced with preacher Devon Franklin and Alana Brown. It’s a modern take on a biblical love story—essentially about a wealthy man falling for a widow who works on his farm. The film features Celaya from “Empire” in the lead role, alongside Tyler Lepley and Phylicia Rashad. To be honest, it feels pretty predictable and carries that unmistakable Tyler Perry vibe.

Overview: The movie opens with Rashad’s narration, emphasizing wisdom with lines like “Love is the most powerful force in the universe” and “Finding love is one of God’s greatest wonders.” Her soothing voice guides the audience through what seems like a complicated narrative—not unlike a children’s book, but with more depth. Rashad portrays Naomi, a wealthy mother, while Ruth (Celaya) is linked to her son, who isn’t exactly Boaz. He’s a hip-hop artist with a duo called 404, and Naomi hopes he’ll make better dating choices. After an amusing scene involving a dancing hippo, she heads to her luxurious home, reflecting on her son’s relationship choices.

Things take a turn for 404 as their manager, Silas, humorously nicknamed Johnny Threezoman, mentions a potentially lucrative deal involving Jermaine Dupri. Ruth, however, feels a pull elsewhere, expressing to Silas that “I don’t know, it feels like God is leading me somewhere else,” which frustrates him, considering his investments in her career. Tragically, after some dramatic twists, Ruth loses her boyfriend and his father to a carjacking, leading to a prayerful moment of reflection.

Naomi later realizes her husband’s financial troubles have left them in dire straits. With no money and having to sell their house in Atlanta, she takes a bus back to her childhood home in Pegram, Tennessee, alongside Ruth. They arrive to find the place a mess, dealing with issues like black mold while clinging to their faith with fervent prayers.

Naomi goes through a profound crisis of faith, even tearing a cross from the wall, exclaiming that she’s “finished” with her beliefs. Meanwhile, Ruth finds a job picking grapes at a vineyard owned by General Boazla (Lepley), a former Wall Street guy now running the winery. He’s portrayed as charming and generous, and the film hints at a budding romance. Yet, there’s an underlying tension—Ruth wonders if his generosity comes with strings attached.

Similar Films: If anything, this film gives off vibes reminiscent of “Sideways” mixed with a biblical angle. It’s a peculiar blend, to say the least.

Noteworthy Performances: Generally, Perry’s films don’t always shine a light on the actors, but Rashad has previously been recognized for her role in the 2024 movie “Beekeeper,” which was far more engaging than this one.

Memorable Lines: One character succinctly reflects the film’s disjointedness with, “I should have heard of you. It wasn’t.”

On Romance: Surprisingly, there’s no romance to be found here, despite the relationship focus. Just a lot of streaming Netflix.

Our Assessment: Even if you’re a believer, this film may come off more like a sermon than engaging cinema. It perpetuates the idea that a basic level of faith guarantees a smoother life. Characters grapple with doubt, yet inevitably find their way back to faith—like Naomi reclaiming the cross in the end. The plot resolution is typical for Perry, favoring a simplistic narrative flow. There are karaoke scenes and other moments that aim for emotional depth but often fall flat. Ultimately, “Loose and Boaz” feels like a prayer for something better.

Final Recommendation: Honestly? Skip it.