In a cinematic landscape eager for diverse narratives, Sarah’s Oil emerges as a vital addition, shedding light on yet another remarkable untold Black story. Executive producers Ciara and Russell Wilson bring to the fore the historical tale of Sarah Rector, a young Black girl who ascended to the ranks of America’s first millionaires in the early 1900s. The film transports us to Oklahoma, where actress Naya Desir-Johnson takes on the role of Sarah with compelling depth and authenticity.

Under the direction of Cyrus Nowrasteh, the film embraces a classic historical drama format akin to works like Selma, opting for factual storytelling over fictional embellishment. Sarah’s Oil delves into the real-life journey of 11-year-old Sarah, a Black descendant of the Creek Indians, who inherited land through the Treaty of 1866. Unbeknownst to many, this land sat atop a lucrative oil reserve, propelling Sarah into wealth but also into peril.

Naya Desir-Johnson delivers an arresting portrayal of Sarah, capturing the character’s sharp intellect and unyielding spirit. The film begins with Sarah’s belief in the potential of her inherited land. Her determination spurs her father, Joe, played by Kenric Green, to seek drilling rights from local oil moguls. However, the family soon discovers that being Black landowners in Jim Crow-era Oklahoma invites its own set of dangers.

The narrative takes a turn when Sarah’s family finds an unexpected supporter in Bert, a prospector portrayed by Zachary Levi. As they confront the relentless greed of white businessmen eager to seize Sarah’s fortune through deceit and threats, Bert becomes an ally, aiding the family in navigating a landscape where survival hinges on resilience and strategy.

While some may recognize shades of the “magical Negro” trope in Bert’s transformation, the film’s core remains Sarah’s journey. It is her business acumen and bravery that truly propel the story. Her real-life achievement—amassing wealth by leasing her land to Standard Oil—stands as a testament to her extraordinary legacy.

Though the film does not focus on the later chapter of Sarah’s life, including the loss of much of her wealth during the Great Depression, it embraces the uplifting arc of her early journey. Her legacy, from navigating oil rights to eventually hosting glamorous jazz-era soirées in Kansas City with legends like Duke Ellington and Count Basie, gives viewers a vivid portrait of a girl who refused to be cheated out of her future.

Stories like like Sarah Rector’s, have long been overlooked. But Sarah’s Oil is part of a growing wave of films reclaiming that history. And while the film plays safely within the boundaries of traditionally uplifting biopics, it remains worth the watch for one simple reason, Sarah Rector existed. Her story deserves this moment.

If Naya Desir-Johnson’s face looks familiar it should. The talented rising star has credits that include starring on The Equalizer, Pose, A Thousand and One, among others. Sarah’s Oil is now showing in theaters nationwide.

Photo Credit: Naya Desir-Johnson Instagram