"Sarah's Oil": Zachary Levi Brings an Astonishing True Tale of Faith and Riches to the Big Screen

Get ready for a powerful historical drama! The upcoming film "Sarah's Oil" unearths the incredible, largely forgotten story of Sarah Rector, an 11-year-old African American girl who became a millionaire in early 20th-century Oklahoma, starring Zachary Levi and Naya Desir-Johnson.

TL;DR: Quick Facts About "Sarah's Oil"

• "Sarah's Oil" is a biographical drama premiering nationwide on Friday, November 7, 2025.
• The film tells the true story of Sarah Rector, an 11-year-old African American girl who, through unwavering faith, discovered oil on her land and became one of America's first Black female millionaires.
• Zachary Levi (known from Shazam!) stars as Bert Smith, a wildcatter whose cynical outlook is transformed by Sarah's inspiring perseverance and trust in God.

Unearthing a Lost Legacy: The Untold Story of Sarah Rector

Picture this: It's the early 1900s in Oklahoma Territory. A world grappling with the scars of slavery, the harsh realities of Jim Crow-era segregation, and the relentless pursuit of wealth. Into this landscape steps 11-year-old Sarah Rector, a young African American girl whose family had been slaves to the Creek Indian Nation. The government, as part of a land allotment program, grants her 190 acres of what seems like barren, worthless land.

Her father, pragmatic about their circumstances, frets over the $30 in taxes they'll owe in a few months, a sum that could easily force them to lose the property. But Sarah isn't fazed. She possesses a fierce, unshakeable faith, believing the "Good Lord" gave her this land. And when she listens closely, she hears a deep rumbling, like "oceans" of oil, beneath her feet. This isn't just a quaint belief; it's the spark that ignites an extraordinary, true story finally being told in the film "Sarah's Oil."

Zachary Levi's Journey to a Transformative Role

For Hollywood actor Zachary Levi, known for his roles in Shazam! and Tangled, stepping into "Sarah's Oil" wasn't just another acting gig. He calls his performance in this movie his "best yet," embodying Bert Smith, an independent oilman, prospector, and entrepreneur whose life is profoundly changed by Sarah's steadfast spirit.

Levi shared his deep connection to the project, telling the Deseret News that he "could not put the script down" after producer John Shepherd gave it to him on a flight. "I was so inspired by it, so blown away by it, and I signed on immediately," he stated. He was genuinely surprised that such a monumental true story had remained largely hidden from public knowledge, compelling him to fight vigorously alongside director Cyrus Nowrasteh and producer John Shepherd to bring it to the screen. "Stories like this are exactly what we need to be telling more of in Hollywood," Levi emphasized, highlighting the film's crucial role in showcasing overlooked histories.

A Clash of Wills and the Power of Unwavering Faith

The film quickly plunges Sarah into a world of intense jeopardy. Her initial attempts to work with established oil companies are met with outright racism and dismissal. One storefront company throws her out for being Black, while another, Petroleum Oil, feigns interest only to try and swindle her. This is where Bert Smith enters the scene. Initially, he's a "charming, opportunistic wildcatter" and a self-proclaimed "selfish guy" and "hustler." Yet, he shows a sliver of kindness by buying Sarah a lemonade when she's refused service at a local cafe.

As Sarah and Bert begin to work together, their partnership faces relentless obstacles. Nefarious oilmen and con artists, including those from Petroleum Oil, attempt to steal her land deed. They resort to intimidation and violence, shooting Sarah's dog (which disappears, presumably to die) and even reportedly shooting some of her teenage school friends, escalating the stakes dramatically. The danger is palpable, but Sarah's unwavering faith in God and her vision for the land provides a steady anchor.

More Than Just Oil: Themes of Redemption and Social Justice

"Sarah's Oil" isn't merely a tale of wealth; it's a rich historical drama infused with a "very strong Christian, redemptive, morally uplifting worldview," according to MOVIEGUIDE®. The story naturally integrates Christian songs and prayer, reflecting the characters' genuine faith. A core message revolves around the transformation of Bert Smith, who, through Sarah's influence, confronts a choice: sell his soul for material riches or find redemption.

The film champions honest business practices and courageously rebukes the dishonest and fraudulent actions of greedy oil tycoons and corrupt government officials. Director Cyrus Nowrasteh, known for films like The Young Messiah, meticulously crafted a narrative where intense jeopardy is balanced with moments of humor and spiritual drama. Co-writer Betsy Giffen Nowrasteh notes that Sarah's "uncorrupted child's vision" and lack of cynicism are key to the story's appeal, offering a clarity of vision that adults often lose.

"For Sarah to be unwavering in her faith, despite all of the odds, and for it ultimately to come to fruition in such a massive way... That's transformative to somebody like Bert and so I think that's pretty profound."

— Zachary Levi, Actor

The Meticulous Crafting of a Historical Narrative

Bringing Sarah Rector's story to life required extensive research. Filmmakers, including Nowrasteh and producer John Shepherd, pieced together her history using public records, newspaper accounts, and invaluable input from members of the Rector family, historians, and cultural advisers. The film was heavily influenced by Tonya Bolden's book, "Searching for Sarah Rector: The Richest Black Girl in America." This dedication ensures the movie offers a respectful and accurate portrayal of a significant, yet largely forgotten, historical figure.

Production itself mirrored the themes of perseverance. Filmed on location in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, the crew faced numerous challenges: tornadoes, thunderstorms, insect infestations, and even viral encephalitis among team members. Producer John Shepherd recalled, "just about everything that could go wrong every day, did," leading the team to their knees. He reflected, "God demonstrated in the final film that without great sacrifice there can't be great gain. Anything worth something costs something." This firsthand experience of overcoming adversity undoubtedly deepened the crew's connection to Sarah's own struggles.

A Look at the Talented Cast Bringing History to Life

The film boasts a strong ensemble cast. Naya Desir-Johnson takes on the pivotal role of Sarah Rector, showcasing the young girl's fierce determination. Zachary Levi delivers a standout performance as Bert Smith, whose character arc is central to the narrative. Joining them are familiar faces from "The Walking Dead" universe: Sonequa Martin-Green (Sasha in TWD, Captain Michael Burnham in Star Trek: Discovery) and Kenric Green (Scott in TWD), who portray Sarah's parents, Rose and Joe Rector. Garret Dillahunt, known for Fear the Walking Dead, also appears as Devnan, one of the greedy oil tycoons.

Other notable cast members include Vincent D'Onofrio, Mel Rodriguez (who plays Bert's Hispanic partner, Mace), Bridget Regan, and Stelio Savante. This talented group works under the direction of Cyrus Nowrasteh, whose experience with historical dramas shines through.

Considering the Nuances and Potential Critiques of the Film

While "Sarah's Oil" is widely applauded for its inspirational message and historical importance, it's worth noting some common points of discussion. One perspective suggests that Sarah, despite her name in the title, serves primarily as an inspiration for other characters—particularly Bert—rather than undergoing a significant personal arc herself. Her role, in this view, is to embody unwavering faith that transforms those around her.

Furthermore, some might find the pacing of challenges and resolutions to be quite rapid. Each setback, while intense, is often overcome quickly, which can sometimes necessitate a stacking of obstacles to fill the runtime. The film's use of Sarah's voice-over, while intended to draw viewers into her perspective, occasionally tells the audience what to feel rather than letting the scene unfold naturally. However, these are often minor points in an otherwise impactful story, especially for fans of faith-based historical dramas looking for an uplifting experience.

Example: Finding Your Own "Sarah's Oil" Moment

Imagine a young tech entrepreneur, Elias, working on a sustainable energy project. He's passionate, but funds are tight, and a powerful corporation offers him a quick buyout at a fraction of his project's true value, threatening to bury his innovation if he refuses. His business partner, an older, more cynical investor named Leo, urges him to take the money, arguing that integrity won't pay the bills. Elias, much like Sarah, holds onto an unshakeable belief in his vision and the greater good it could achieve, even if it means enduring hardship. He refuses the lowball offer, continuing to seek partners who share his ethical approach, slowly but surely transforming Leo's perspective on what truly constitutes success and purpose, beyond just profit margins.

Key Takeaways for Moviegoers

• "Sarah's Oil" offers a crucial look at an overlooked piece of American history, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of an African American girl in the early 1900s.
• The film emphasizes the power of faith and perseverance in the face of immense adversity, making it a truly uplifting experience.
• It provides a unique character study in Bert Smith, demonstrating how one person's unwavering spirit can inspire profound personal transformation in another.
• "Sarah's Oil" sparks important conversations about racial prejudice, governmental fraud, and ethical business practices, all within a compelling historical narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions About "Sarah's Oil" When does "Sarah's Oil" release in theaters? "Sarah's Oil" is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on Friday, November 7, 2025. What is "Sarah's Oil" rated? The film is rated PG for thematic content, some language, violence, and brief smoking. MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for younger children due to a smattering of foul language and scary violence, including the shooting of a dog and reports of children being shot. Who are the main actors in "Sarah's Oil"? The movie stars Naya Desir-Johnson as Sarah Rector and Zachary Levi as Bert Smith. Other notable cast members include Sonequa Martin-Green, Kenric Green, Mel Rodriguez, and Garret Dillahunt. What is the true story behind "Sarah's Oil"? "Sarah's Oil" is based on the true story of Sarah Rector, an African American girl born in Oklahoma in the early 1900s. Through her deep faith and resilience, she discovered oil on her allotted land, making her one of the youngest and richest Black female millionaires in America, despite facing widespread racism and greedy attempts to steal her fortune. Sources

• Fnd Originals (Fox News Digital) - "Zachary Levi brings untold story of ‘Sarah’s Oil’ to big screen" (November 06, 2025)
• MOVIEGUIDE® - "SARAH’S OIL" (Review)
• Deseret News - "Why Zachary Levi refused to let the miraculous story behind ‘Sarah’s Oil’ stay hidden" (Nov 6, 2025)
• Religion News Service - "‘Sarah’s Oil’ Serves Up A Christian Message Aimed At Tackling Racism" (November 7, 2025)
• Atlanta News First - "Movie based on America’s first Black female millionaire coming to theatres" (November 04, 2025)
• The Catholic Register - "Great sacrifice brings great gain in Sarah's Oil" (November 5, 2025)
• The Walking Dead Actors - "Sarah's Oil" (Article mentioning TWD actors)
• ETimes - "Sarah's Oil" (Movie Listing/Synopsis)
• KCTV - "‘Sarah’s Oil’ Lead Actress Naya Desir-Johnson joins Kerrigan on the My KC LIVE couch"