Introduction
In the pantheon of Holocaust survival stories, few narratives resonate with the raw intensity and emotional depth of My Name Is Sara, a 2019 film directed by Steven Oritt. This searing drama, based on the true story of Sara Goralnik Shapiro, a 13-year-old Jewish girl who survived Nazi-occupied Ukraine by concealing her identity, stands out as a testament to human resilience and the indomitable will to survive. With a gripping narrative, stellar performances, and a hauntingly relevant setting, My Name Is Sara transcends the boundaries of a typical historical drama, delivering a thriller-like experience that keeps viewers on edge. This article explores the film’s narrative, historical significance, cinematic craftsmanship, and its impact on contemporary audiences, delving into why this story remains profoundly relevant in 2025.
A Story Rooted in History
My Name Is Sara is based on the real-life experiences of Sara Goralnik Shapiro, who survived the Holocaust by posing as a Ukrainian Orthodox Christian in Nazi-occupied Ukraine. The film, supported by Steven Spielberg’s USC Shoah Foundation, draws heavily on interviews conducted by director Steven Oritt with Sara before her death in 2018. Her son, Mickey Shapiro, served as executive producer, lending authenticity and emotional weight to the project. The screenplay, penned by David Himmelstein, masterfully weaves historical accuracy with dramatic tension, creating a narrative that is both educational and deeply moving.
Set in the early 1940s in Korets, a town in western Ukraine (then part of Poland), the film captures the harrowing reality of the Holocaust. As the Nazis tightened their grip on Jewish communities, many, like Sara, were forced to make unimaginable choices to survive. The film opens with Sara (Zuzanna Surowy) and her older brother Moishe (Konrad Cichon) fleeing their ghetto, where their parents and younger siblings remain trapped. Their desperate attempt to reach a safe haven—a farm where an elderly woman was paid to shelter them—quickly unravels when Moishe realizes the woman’s fear makes her unreliable. In a heart-wrenching moment, Sara decides to forge ahead alone, leaving her sleeping brother behind.
This pivotal decision sets the stage for Sara’s remarkable journey of survival. Alone in a world fraught with danger, she adopts the alias Manya Romanchuk, claiming to be a Ukrainian Christian orphan seeking work. Her path leads her to a Ukrainian farming family, where she becomes a nanny for Pavlo (Eryk Lubos) and Nadya (Michalina Olszanska) and their two young sons. However, her safety is tenuous, as she must constantly prove her fabricated identity while navigating the suspicions of her employers and the ever-present threat of Nazi discovery.
A Masterclass in Tension
What sets My Name Is Sara apart from other Holocaust narratives is its unrelenting tension, which transforms the film into a psychological thriller. The constant threat of discovery looms over every scene, as Sara must conceal her Jewish identity not only from the Nazis but also from the family she lives with. The film’s setting in Nazi-occupied Ukraine, a region marked by complex ethnic and political tensions, amplifies this suspense. The Ukrainian farmers, while resentful of German and Russian occupiers, harbor deep-seated antisemitism, adding another layer of danger to Sara’s existence.
Director Steven Oritt expertly maintains this high-stakes atmosphere without overwhelming the audience. Every interaction—whether it’s Sara crossing herself to prove her Christian identity, eating pork to dispel suspicion, or reciting Christian prayers under scrutiny—feels like a life-or-death test. Yet, Oritt balances these moments of suspense with quieter, introspective scenes that allow viewers to connect with Sara’s inner strength and vulnerability. The film’s pacing is deliberate, ensuring that the tension never feels gratuitous but rather serves to underscore the precariousness of Sara’s situation.
The screenplay also cleverly incorporates the dynamics of the Ukrainian family, whose own secrets and marital strife add complexity to the narrative. Pavlo and Nadya’s troubled relationship, coupled with their disdain for the occupiers, creates an uneasy alliance with Sara. She learns to leverage their secrets to her advantage, demonstrating a remarkable level of cunning for someone so young. This dynamic adds depth to the story, illustrating how survival often requires navigating not just external threats but also the moral ambiguities of those around you.
Stellar Performances and Cinematic Craftsmanship
At the heart of My Name Is Sara is Zuzanna Surowy’s extraordinary performance as Sara. A newcomer to acting, Surowy delivers a portrayal that is both understated and powerful. Her still, somber face conveys a quiet resilience, masking the steel-like determination that drives her survival. Every glance, every subtle gesture, speaks volumes about Sara’s inner turmoil and unwavering resolve. It’s a performance that lingers long after the credits roll, earning Surowy well-deserved praise at film festivals, including the 2020 Miami Jewish Film Festival and the 2019 Warsaw Jewish Film Festival, where the film garnered nominations and awards.
The supporting cast is equally compelling. Eryk Lubos as Pavlo brings a gruff intensity to the role, hinting at both menace and vulnerability, while Michalina Olszanska’s Nadya is a complex blend of warmth and suspicion. Pawel Krolikowski and Piotr Nerlewski, as Ivan and Grisha, provide additional layers to the rural Ukrainian setting, portraying characters caught between survival and prejudice. Together, the ensemble creates a vivid tapestry of human emotions, from fear and distrust to fleeting moments of compassion.
Cinematographically, My Name Is Sara is a triumph. The film’s muted color palette and stark, rural landscapes evoke the harshness of wartime Ukraine, while close-up shots of Sara’s face capture her emotional isolation. The use of natural lighting and handheld camera work enhances the film’s gritty realism, immersing viewers in Sara’s perilous world. The soundtrack, subtle yet haunting, complements the narrative without overpowering it, allowing the story’s emotional weight to take center stage.
Historical and Contemporary Relevance
The film’s setting in Ukraine carries particular resonance in 2025, given the region’s ongoing geopolitical significance. While My Name Is Sara is firmly rooted in the historical context of the Holocaust, its themes of displacement, identity, and survival speak to universal human experiences. The story of a young girl forced to navigate a hostile world alone mirrors the struggles of refugees and marginalized communities today. Sara’s ability to adapt, to conceal her true self while clinging to hope, serves as a powerful metaphor for resilience in the face of adversity.
Moreover, the film sheds light on the lesser-known stories of Jews who survived the Holocaust by adopting Christian identities. This strategy, while effective for some, came with profound psychological and ethical costs. Sara’s journey forces viewers to grapple with questions of identity, morality, and the price of survival. How does one maintain a sense of self when forced to deny it? How does one reconcile the need to survive with the guilt of leaving loved ones behind? These questions linger, making My Name Is Sara not just a historical drama but a profound meditation on the human condition.
Imperfections and Critiques
No film is without flaws, and My Name Is Sara is no exception. Some viewers may find the exposition occasionally unclear, particularly in the early scenes, where the rapid shift from the ghetto to the woods leaves little time to establish the broader context. The dynamic between Sara and Pavlo, while intentionally ambiguous, may leave some audiences uncertain about his intentions, which could detract from the narrative’s clarity. Additionally, the decision to have characters speak English (presumably representing Ukrainian) while using subtitles for Polish, German, and Russian may feel jarring to some viewers, as it disrupts the linguistic authenticity of the setting.
Despite these minor shortcomings, the film’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. The narrative remains cohesive, and the emotional impact of Sara’s story is undeniable. Oritt’s direction ensures that these imperfections do not detract from the film’s overall power, keeping viewers invested in Sara’s fate from start to finish.
A Lasting Impact
My Name Is Sara is more than a film; it is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust. By focusing on one girl’s extraordinary story, it personalizes the unimaginable scale of the Shoah, making it accessible to audiences who may be unfamiliar with this chapter of history. The film’s festival accolades and critical acclaim underscore its quality, but its true impact lies in its ability to inspire reflection and empathy.
For contemporary audiences, My Name Is Sara serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of hatred and division. In a world still grappling with prejudice and conflict, Sara’s story urges us to confront our biases and recognize the humanity in others. Her mother’s words—“Surviving will be our revenge”—echo throughout the film, a powerful testament to the strength of those who endured the unthinkable.
Conclusion
My Name Is Sara is a masterful blend of historical drama and psychological thriller, brought to life by a stellar cast, evocative cinematography, and a deeply affecting narrative. Zuzanna Surowy’s portrayal of Sara is a revelation, capturing the quiet strength of a young girl forced to navigate a world of unimaginable danger. Director Steven Oritt’s ability to maintain tension while honoring the emotional weight of Sara’s story makes this film a standout in the canon of Holocaust cinema.
As we reflect on this story in 2025, My Name Is Sara reminds us of the enduring power of resilience, the complexities of identity, and the importance of bearing witness to history. Whether viewed as a historical document, a gripping thriller, or a meditation on survival, this film is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the depths of human courage. It is a story that haunts, inspires, and ultimately uplifts, proving that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can shine through.
“My Name Is Sara” is available at select theaters, including Marcus’ Des Peres Cinema, and is a worthy addition to the legacy of Holocaust storytelling.
