Written by: Jay Heilman (11/3/2025)
Sarah's Oil is a Powerful, Must-See Story of Faith and Fortune
Sarah’s Oil is more than just a historical drama; it's a vital piece of American history brought beautifully to the screen. I absolutely adored this film, which finally tells the captivating and largely unknown story of Sarah Rector, a young Black woman who defied the odds of poverty, race, and injustice to become one of the nation’s first female Black millionaires in the early 1900s.
The narrative, inspired by Tonya Bolden’s book, Searching for Sarah Rector: The Richest Black Girl in America, handles the historical weight with grace and inspiration. The film serves as a truly honoring way to look back on Sarah’s legacy, powerfully arguing that this is a story that absolutely needs to be told and known by broader audiences.
The acting across the board is phenomenal, particularly the chemistry between the two leads. Zachary Levi (as Bert) brings his trademark warmth and earnestness, but the real star is relative newcomer Naya Desir-Johnson as Sarah. Desir-Johnson is mesmerizing, portraying the 11-year-old Sarah with a depth of determination and faith that belies her age. The evolution of the relationship between Levi's character and Sarah, and how her unshakable conviction affects him, is one of the emotional anchors of the film.
Speaking of conviction, the film's faith-based elements truly shine through, elevating the story from a simple rags-to-riches tale to a testament of spiritual resilience. The movie constantly reminds us that Sarah’s deep faith in God was everything to her, providing the strength she needed to persevere against greedy oil barons and systemic injustice. This faith naturally rubs off on Bert's character, creating a touching story of mutual inspiration.
Sarah’s Oil is not only a great film—it is genuinely heartwarming, uplifting, and offers invaluable educational content about a pioneering figure. Make plans to see this film with the whole family and support this essential story opening weekend!
4.5/5
Sarah's Oil Bonus: Interview with Producer, John Shepherd ⇓
COMING SOON
Released: 11/7/2025 (Theatrically)
Running Time: 103 Minutes (Amazon MGM Studios)
Rated PG for thematic content, some violence, language including racial slurs, a suggestive reference and brief smoking
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