Sarah's Oil Movie Review: Faith, Oil & Hidden Treasure (2025)

Welcome, family in Christ! At ChristianPodcast.com, where every episode and article reminds us that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1), we’re thrilled to spotlight a cinematic gem that doesn’t just entertain—it ignites the fire of faith. Picture an 11-year-old girl in dusty Oklahoma in 1913, facing oil speculators, racism, and doubt… yet armed with a divine conviction that makes her the first Black millionaire in America. Yes, we’re talking about "Sarah's Oil", the biographical film that premieres today, November 7, 2025, in theaters nationwide, distributed by Amazon MGM Studios.

If you’re looking for a family outing this weekend, head to the cinema. But first, let us tell you why this story isn’t just a Hollywood blockbuster—it’s a living reminder of how God uses the unlikely for His glory. And yes, with a star-studded cast that includes an actor who’s embraced his faith publicly: Zachary Levi.

Zachary Levi: From Shazam to a Guardian of Faith on the Big Screen

Let’s start with the hook that grabs so many: the charisma of Zachary Levi. Known for his role as the superhero Shazam in the DC films, or as the quirky inventor in Harold and the Purple Crayon, Levi isn’t just a familiar face. This 45-year-old actor has been open about his spiritual journey, sharing in Christian podcasts and conferences how his faith in Jesus transformed him from light-comedy star to a champion of purpose-driven stories. In Sarah's Oil, Levi plays a key ally of Sarah—a white “guardian” navigating the treacherous waters of Jim Crow racism to protect her inheritance—and his presence adds emotional depth to this tale of redemption.

It’s no coincidence Levi chooses projects like this. In recent interviews, he’s shared how, after years in Hollywood, he seeks roles that “point to heaven,” aligned with his Christian commitment. Alongside him shines newcomer Naya Desir-Johnson as young Sarah Rector, a Haitian-American actress whose freshness captures the innocence and courage of a girl who “hears God.” The ensemble includes Sonequa Martin-Green (The Walking Dead, Star Trek: Discovery) as a strong maternal figure, Garret Dillahunt, and Vincent D’Onofrio (who joined the cast in March 2025), bringing tension and realism to the legal and emotional battles.

Produced by powerhouses like Ciara and Russell Wilson through their Why Not You Productions—a Christian duo who infuse faith into every project—alongside Kingdom Story Company (The Jesus Music) and The Wonder Project, this film is a “labor of love,” as Amazon MGM’s Julie Rapaport says. Shot in Oklahoma for authenticity, it cost around $16 million (saving $4M by filming scenes in South Africa!), and its trailer has already racked up millions of views, highlighting themes of unwavering faith.Where and how to watch? In select theaters starting today. Check Fandango or the Amazon MGM site for tickets. Rated PG (for thematic content, some violence, racial language, and a suggestive reference), it’s ideal for teens and up. If you prefer to wait, it hits Amazon Prime Video in 2026—but nothing beats the big screen for feeling the “gush of oil”!

Sarah's Oil Official Trailer

The True Story: From Barren Land to Hidden Treasure

Based on the book Searching for Sarah Rector: The Richest Black Girl in America by Tonya Bolden, Sarah's Oil brings to life Sarah Rector (1902–1967), a girl from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in Oklahoma’s Indian Territory. Under the 1907 allotment laws—a failed attempt to “civilize” Native peoples—Sarah is given 160 acres of seemingly worthless land. But guided by divine intuition, she insists: “Under this barren soil beats a treasure.” With help from Texas drillers and her family’s faith, they strike oil, making her a millionaire at age 11 with monthly income up to $12,000 (millions in today’s dollars!).

But it wasn’t all black gold. In the segregation era, her fortune draws “oil sharks”: corrupt lawyers, court-appointed white guardians (since her Black parents couldn’t legally serve as guardians), and jealous schemers threatening to strip her of everything. Sarah defends her legacy with boldness, negotiating like an adult and rejecting dirty deals. Directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh (The Stoning of Soraya M., The Young Messiah), the film captures this tension, showing how childlike purity triumphs over greed.

Biblical Takeaways: Faith Lessons That Drill Through Obstacles

What makes Sarah's Oil a must-watch for our Christian community isn’t just the history—it’s how it echoes Scripture. Think of how Sarah “hears God”—a faith that echoes 1 Timothy 4:12: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” At 11, Sarah negotiates with tycoons, saying: “Do you want to do this deal with me? Yes or no?” What a lesson for us when we doubt our calling because we’re “too young” or “unqualified”!

Another powerful parallel: Matthew 13:44, the parable of the hidden treasure. “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Sarah’s land looks useless—full of scorpions and lizards—but God revealed the “oil” beneath. And you? What “barren field” in your life (a dead-end job, a broken relationship) hides the treasure God promised? The film urges us to “drill” with faith, even when the world calls you “crazy” or “fanatic.”

Don’t miss the Holy Spirit as defender. In a pivotal scene, Sarah declares truth under interrogation: “Just tell the truth.” Mili sees it as Romans 8:26: “The Spirit helps in our weaknesses… intercedes for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” When speculators swarm her, the Spirit speaks through her! And in a heart-wrenching moment, Sarah confronts an ally tempted by corruption: “I won’t do business with pigs… I’m worried about your soul.” He replies: “No one’s ever cared about my soul.” Pure evangelism! Remember Matthew 16:26: “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”

Finally, a call to doubt-free faith. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:8 (or maybe Philippians—Scripture is packed with promises!), “God is able to make all grace abound toward you.” Sarah believed to the end, even when betrayal loomed. In a world of envy and money-driven corruption, her story shouts: “Hold fast to God’s promises. You lack nothing” (Philippians 4:19).

Why Watch It? An Inspirational Emoji for Your Week

In the spirit of podcasts, let’s end with emojis:  Inspirational. As Mili says: “Her faith and believing in others.” Or Beto: “Using the mind God gave you for His glory.” This film doesn’t glorify wealth—on the contrary, it shows true riches are faith that withstands racial injustice and greed. Sarah used her intellect, not just her hands, to bless generations, inspiring entrepreneurs today (even Forbes highlights it!).

Questions for you, reader: What “oil” is God hiding in your field? Are you ready to defend it with childlike faith? Share in the comments or on our podcast: Have you seen it? What verse came to mind? If it blessed you, share it with a friend!

At ChristianPodcast.com, we believe stories like this prepare us for what God has in store. Watch Sarah's Oil, leave the theater with your heart drilled by His love, and live like you already see the treasure. God bless you!