Sometimes, it's hard to pick movies that are entertaining to both kids and adults. Beyond entertaining, though, sometimes you just want a feel-good movie that can both inspire and sneakily teach our young kids and teens in the process. Sarah's Oil is such a movie. After initially fighting me on watching it together (as my teen and pre-teen tend to do on a daily basis), we sat down to watch this movie from MGM and Amazon. And it did not disappoint. Here's why Sarah's Oil needs to be at the top of your family must-watch list for this season!
It's inspired by a true story.
There are plenty of worthwhile movies that are pure fiction, but when as parents we find one that is based on real-life events, it’s a huge plus. Sarah’s Oil is based on the life of Sarah Rector, an African American girl born in Oklahoma’s Indian Territory in the early 1900s. The movie tells the story of Sarah’s fight for a plot of land she inherited at just 11 years old. Sarah discovered oil on the land and transformed what others initially saw as barren land into something extraordinary.
Not only were my kids completely engrossed by Sarah and her story, they also researched the events in the movie after. We talked about the way the people in Muskogee, Oklahoma treated Sarah and her dad because of the color of their skin, the reasons why it was hard for her as a Black woman in that era to do what she did, and how it means that what she actually managed to accomplish was something amazing.
Based on the life of an extraordinary woman whom our girls can relate to.
I’m the mom of one boy and two girls, and I have to say that when the movie first opens and the first image you see is Sarah’s face on the screen, it’s powerful. It’s a reminder to our girls that this is a story about them. And as a woman of color, to see someone that my girls can relate to on that level is so important. But beyond the inspiration that it gave my girls, it was also a source of pride for my whole family as we learned about the story of an amazing person of color and her legacy. The obstacles Sarah and her family face are just a small example of our country’s complicated history.
It’s a conversation starter with teens.
And speaking of our complex past as a nation, Sarah’s Oil serves as a starting point for conversations with teens. It’s always satisfying when the “bad people” get what they deserve and the “good guys” succeed. But real life is so much more nuanced and complicated than what we see in movies or on TV shows. Sarah, with her perseverance and doggedness, faced down not only racism, sexism, and greed, but also managed to beat the odds with her faith in herself and support from her family and community. This is a message that transcends generations and my kids were able to see how tough the world was back in the early 1900s for others like us.
In many ways, we’re still trying to fight those same obstacles today, which is why it’s so enriching to be able to have another tool to speak to them about social injustices, perseverance, and overcoming despite almost insurmountable odds.
It's a way to support our stories on the screen.
I can’t say it enough: We have to support our stories! Sarah’s Oil may not be about Latinos in the U.S., but it does speak to us in a way that we can relate to. Naya Desir-Johnson plays Sarah with such beauty and grace, she could not have been brought to life by any other young actress. Zachary Levi as Sarah’s supporter, business partner, and guardian, Bert Smith, brings earnestness and sunshine to a crucial role, keeping it heartfelt and avoiding any savior overtones. His friend Mace, played by Mel Rodriguez, gave the film another layer of diversity, to make it clear that we Latinos have been part of history for a long time. The rest of the cast — especially Sonequa Martin-Green as Sarah’s mama bear, Rose, and Kenric Green (and Sonequea’s real-life husband) as her dad, Joe — do such a great job. It’s so important to support Hollywood stories that are about our experiences, especially if those stories are about triumph and inspiration.
Because it’s simply a really great family movie.
All that aside, Sarah’s Oil is a deeply moving story that is perfect to watch as a family. I’m sure everyone will relate to the story and will find inspiration in its message. Watch the trailer here.
Get your tickets today! Don’t miss the powerful true story of Sarah Rector, Sarah’s Oil, in theaters starting November 7.
