Unearthing a Forgotten Fortune: “Sarah’s Oil” and the Power of Untold Black History
Hollywood’s approach to Black past narratives has evolved. Films like Fruitvale Station immerse you in a character’s experience, while others, such as Selma, deliver a more direct historical account. Now, Sarah’s Oil, executive produced by Ciara and Russell Wilson, joins this conversation, opting for the latter – a crucial, if sometimes underrepresented, method of bringing overlooked stories to light.
this period drama centers on Sarah Rector, an 11-year-old black girl and Creek descendant in the early 1900s. She unexpectedly inherits oil-rich land in Oklahoma thanks to the Treaty of 1866. The film follows her courageous fight against those who attempt to steal her rightful inheritance.
It’s vital to acknowledge and celebrate efforts like Sarah’s Oil. The film industry has demonstrably shifted as the late 90s, when John Singleton’s Rosewood – a powerful depiction of a horrific massacre – faced significant hurdles. That shift culminated in the critical and commercial success of Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave, proving the audience appetite for thes stories.
A History Lesson Worth Watching
Sarah’s Oil feels intentionally structured as a Black History Month offering. Though, considering the vastness of untold Black history, simply having this story on screen is a significant step forward.It’s a breath of fresh air in a landscape where “based on a true story” narratives frequently enough remain unexplored.
The film depicts young Sarah (Naya Desir-Johnson) believing in the potential beneath her land. She convinces her father, Joe (Kenric Green), to seek out oil drilling opportunities, even facing blatant racism. They ultimately partner with Bert (Zachary Levi), a prospector willing to challenge powerful interests to protect Sarah’s wealth.
Based on the true story of a young girl who amassed a fortune leasing her land to Standard Oil in the 1910s, Sarah’s Oil presents a compelling narrative.you’ll witness an clever,resourceful girl and her proud parents navigating the complexities of the Jim Crow South with dignity – a feat made even more challenging by their newfound wealth.
navigating Tropes and Celebrating Triumph
Some critics might point to the “magical Negro trope,” given bert’s character arc involves overcoming prejudice through his relationship with Sarah. However, the film ultimately focuses on Sarah’s agency and success.
She overcomes every obstacle, securing her fortune and eventually enjoying a life of lavish jazz-era soirées in Kansas City, hosting legends like Duke Ellington and Count basie. While the film omits the fact that she lost much of her wealth during the Great Depression – a deviation from historical accuracy – Sarah’s Oil aligns with the uplifting spirit of biopics like Queen of katwe and hidden Figures.
Ultimately, Sarah’s oil is a well-crafted film that deserves your attention. It’s a reminder that countless stories of Black resilience, ingenuity, and triumph remain to be told, and that each one contributes to a more complete and accurate understanding of our shared history.
(Image: Gillian Smith Chang/Amazon Studios)
Key Takeaways:
* Sarah’s Oil highlights a largely unknown story of Black entrepreneurship and resilience.
* The film demonstrates Hollywood’s growing commitment to portraying diverse historical narratives.
* While not without potential for trope analysis, the film ultimately centers Sarah’s agency and success.
* It serves as a powerful reminder of the wealth and contributions of Black Americans frequently enough erased from mainstream history.
