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Thriller

Sara’s Notebook (2018): Cast & Ratings

Sara’s Notebook (2018) movie poster

Sara’s Notebook is a 2018 thriller directed by Norberto López Amado, starring Marian Álvarez as Sara, Belén Rueda and Enrico Lo Verso. It runs 1 hour 55 minutes and was made on a reported $1 million budget. It holds 61% on TMDB.

Echo Score
68
budget
$1M
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Sara’s Notebook (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 55m (115 min)
Genre
Thriller
Original language
Spanish
Budget
$1M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Sara’s Notebook About?

The premise of Sara’s Notebook without spoilers.

Laura has spent years searching for her missing sister Sara, who disappeared in the Congolese jungle. When a photograph surfaces showing Sara in a mining town, it sparks renewed hope. However, she is being held captive by The Hawk, a notorious rebel leader who controls the illegal coltan mining operations. Laura must now navigate dangerous territory to rescue her sister and confront the powerful forces behind Sara's captivity.

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Cast & crew

Sara’s Notebook Cast & Characters

Marian Álvarez leads the cast as Sara, with Belén Rueda as Laura and Enrico Lo Verso as Father Salvio. Directed by Norberto López Amado; 8 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Sara’s Notebook

· 4 more
From the director

More from Norberto López Amado

More films directed by Norberto López Amado, best-rated first: How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr Foster? and They’re Watching Us.

Full filmography
Ratings

Sara’s Notebook Reviews & Ratings

Sara’s Notebook holds 61% on TMDB. Our Echo Score gives it 68/100, strongest in sensory experience (82) and weakest in rewatch factor (50).

68 /100

Sara’s Notebook Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Sara’s Notebook delivers a visually striking depiction of a Congo humanitarian crisis yet struggles with an uneven narrative framework. The cinematography and atmospheric score are repeatedly praised for capturing the jungle’s intensity, and the main performances are noted as solid, particularly the supporting young actor. However, critics highlight implausible plot developments, pacing inconsistencies, and a protagonist whose naiveté diminishes emotional engagement. Consequently, the film offers a noteworthy but flawed experience that may appeal primarily to viewers interested in its visual and thematic elements.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    In terms of direction and cinematography, the film is widely commended for its vibrant jungle visuals and striking composition, delivering lush imagery that immerses the viewer. Some reviewers note occasional overuse of dramatic action sequences that verge on the comedic, suggesting a lack of restrained editing. Overall, the artistic craftsmanship is strong, though not uniformly polished.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    When it comes to character and emotion, the performances are generally regarded as competent, with Belén Rueda and the young actor portraying Jamir receiving particular praise. Supporting cast members are noted for adding depth, while the central heroine is criticized for appearing naïve and underdeveloped. The acting thus balances solid execution with limited character complexity.

  • Story & Flow 55

    Regarding story and flow, the premise of a sister's search in a war‑torn region is compelling, yet many find the plot unrealistic and unevenly paced. Critics point to abrupt twists, insufficient resolution, and moments where narrative urgency undermines coherence. As a result, the storytelling delivers mixed effectiveness.

  • Sensory Experience 82

    In the sensory experience, the film excels through vivid color grading, immersive sound design, and a sensitive musical score that underscores the African setting. Reviewers repeatedly highlight the spectacular cinematography and ambient audio, which together create a strong atmospheric presence. The sensory elements stand out as a primary strength.

  • Rewatch Factor 50

    The rewatch factor appears limited; while visual and auditory qualities may invite a second viewing, narrative flaws, stereotypical portrayals, and an unresolved character arc reduce lasting appeal. Some viewers may return for the scenery, but overall replay value is moderate at best.

Details

Sara’s Notebook Also Known As

21 alternative titles, including “مذكرات سارة” and “Saras notatbok”.

Also known as
  • مذكرات سارة
  • Saras notatbok
  • Sarina beležnica
  • Бележникът на Сара
  • 莎拉的笔记本
  • 深入險地
  • Saras notesbog
  • Saran muistikirja
  • Le carnet de Sara
  • Saras Tagebuch
  • Το Ημερολόγιο της Σάρα
  • המחברת של שרה
+9 more
  • Sara naplója
  • Il quaderno di Sara
  • Notatnik Sary
  • O Caderno de Sara
  • Caietul Sarei
  • Блокнот Сары
  • Сарина бележница
  • Sara'nın Defteri
  • Saras anteckningsbok

Seen Sara’s Notebook?

FAQ

Sara’s Notebook FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Sara’s Notebook, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Sara’s Notebook?

Sara’s Notebook runs 1 hour 55 minutes (115 minutes).

When was Sara’s Notebook released?

Sara’s Notebook was released on February 2, 2018.

Who directed Sara’s Notebook?

Sara’s Notebook was directed by Norberto López Amado.

More films by Norberto López Amado

Who is in the cast of Sara’s Notebook?

Sara’s Notebook stars Marian Álvarez as Sara, Belén Rueda as Laura and Enrico Lo Verso as Father Salvio, among 8 credited actors.

What was the budget of Sara’s Notebook?

Sara’s Notebook had a reported budget of $1 million.

How is Sara’s Notebook rated?

Sara’s Notebook has 61% on TMDB.

Does Sara’s Notebook have a post-credit scene?

No. Sara’s Notebook has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Sara’s Notebook in?

The original language of Sara’s Notebook is Spanish.

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