Sarah’s Oil is a heartfelt and inspiring historical drama. Centered on a young girl in the early 1900s whose land becomes the target of an oil company, as the film unfolds each scene adding pressure, each decision closing in around Sarah Rector as she tries to protect the land that God gave her. This story is about Sarah’s Journey as she shows resilience, faith, and the courage to stand firm in a world determined to take away what’s rightfully hers.
From its opening scenes, Sarah’s Oil establishes itself as a character driven story. At the heart of the film is Sarah, portrayed with incredible depth and sincerity by Naya Desir-Johnson. Her performance brings out both the innocence of childhood and the unshakable belief that guides her through overwhelming obstacles. The film doesn’t sensationalize her journey; instead, it lets her quiet determination speak for itself.
Zachary Levi brings warmth to his role as Bert, the experienced wildcatter who recognizes the land’s potential and becomes one of the few adults willing to help Sarah and her family rather than exploit them. Their relationship is portrayed with a gentle balance of mentorship, respect, and mutual trust. Levi avoids the trap of acting as the “savior figure.” Instead, he serves as an anchor, a steady presence who guides Sarah through an industry infamous for greed and corruption. Their dynamic is one of the film’s most emotionally fulfilling aspects.
The supporting cast adds texture to the world around Sarah. Her parents, portrayed with both tenderness and weariness, embody the struggles of Black families living under a system built to deny them land rights and financial autonomy. Town leaders, lawyers, and opportunistic businessmen create an atmosphere of constant tension, reminding viewers that Sarah’s greatest obstacles are not just on the land itself, but in the people who wish to control it. Every secondary character, even those with limited screen time, feels purposeful.
Visually, the film is striking and atmospheric. Wide shots of Oklahoma’s dusty landscapes give a sense of both isolation and promise, highlighting the land that becomes the center of Sarah’s struggle. The cinematography uses warm, golden tones to capture the era, and the filmmakers clearly put care into recreating the clothing, homes, and rural communities of the time. The result is a world that feels authentic without being overly stylized.
The film’s pacing is deliberate. Rather than rushing through historical details, it allows the complexities of Sarah’s situation to unfold slowly. Viewers witness the emotional weight placed on her as the discovery of oil transforms her from an overlooked child into the target of businessmen, lawmakers, and community members hungry for profit. The film does not shy away from showing the racial injustices embedded in the legal system, nor the attempts to undermine her autonomy. Yet despite these heavy themes, the tone remains hopeful. Faith, both spiritual and personal, becomes a recurring anchor in Sarah’s life, guiding her decisions and giving her the strength to continue.
The film explores the destructive allure of wealth without glorifying it, showing how newfound fortune can bring both opportunity and danger. It also highlights the power dynamics surrounding land ownership, especially for Black families living under restrictive laws. Most importantly, the film emphasizes perseverance. Sarah’s journey is not portrayed as easy or glamorous; rather, it is shown as a path carved through adversity, deceit, and systemic prejudice. The message is clear: courage is not loud or dramatic, sometimes it is quiet, steady, and unwavering.
By the final act, the film avoids overly dramatic or neatly resolved conclusions. Instead, it focuses on the emotional truth of Sarah’s story. Her triumph does not come from defeating her enemies in a single moment, but from maintaining her dignity and determination despite forces working against her. The closing scenes are touching, reflective, and uplifting, leaving viewers with a sense of admiration for the real-life girl whose story inspired the film.
At roughly two hours, Sarah’s Oil delivers a powerful, beautifully acted, and meaningful portrayal of one of history’s most remarkable young figures. Its heartfelt storytelling, strong performances, and emotional honesty make it one of the standout inspirational dramas of the year. It is not just a movie about oil or money, it is a film about identity, faith, resilience, and the quiet strength of a girl who refused to be overlooked. For its uplifting message, I would give this movie a well deserved five out of five stars rating.
“Sarah’s Oil” new in theaters.
