Director Cyrus Nowrasteh has created a movie that will charm families and faith-based audiences with its charming characters inspired by a true story.
“Sarah’s Oil” begins in 1913, when 11-year-old Sarah, who is a descendant of the Muscogee Creek Nation, is given about 160 acres of land under the Treaty of 1866.
The land in Glenpool, Oklahoma, doesn’t appear to be good for much. But Sarah – played wonderfully by Naya Desir-Johnson – insists there’s oil under the surface, saying that God has told her so.
Her father (Kenric Green) is skeptical but he helps the little girl find an oil company that will drill on the property. Sarah is told that there is no hope of finding oil on the land.
Still, Sarah insists it’s there. Wildcatter Bert (Zachary Levi) and his business partner take over the drilling because Sarah is so determined. Besides, the oil company has left all its equipment behind – maybe the company representatives know more than they’re telling.
Danger is lurking for Sarah and her family, who experience an incident that leaves them terrified, especially after two Native American children are killed in a land dispute. Then a civil rights attorney and a Black journalist become involved with Sarah’s story, which begins to make headlines.
Racial injustice plays a major part of this story. It’s not always easy to hear and see how people of color are degraded.
I liked seeing how the smart, resolute Sarah stands firm throughout the proceedings, even when violence is afoot. Also, it’s nice to see a film that isn’t a “star project” and lets other capable actors have a chance.
This is an uplifting tale, all the more so because it’s based on the real-life experiences of a woman you’ll “meet” briefly at the end of the film.
3 stars
Running time: One hour and 43 minutes.
In theaters.
Rated: PG for violence and racial slurs.
Watch the trailer here.
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