The book-based film, “The Secret” features junior Sarah Hoffmeister

McKenzie Sussman

Staff Writer

Mira Costa junior Sarah Hoffmeister spreads  positivity in her role as Missy Wells in the film, “The Secret.”  The film is based on a self-help book, “The Secret,” written by Rhonda Bryne. The film focuses on constructive thoughts bringing joy into one’s life. The movie hopes to inspire people and spread the power of positivity.

“I’ve been trying to [be more positive] in every situation to adopt the ideas of the movie and to bring more positive things into my life,” Hoffmeister said.

Andy Tennant directs “The Secret,” and the film stars Katie Holmes, Josh Lucas, Jerry O’Connell and Celia Watson. The film focuses on a single mom,  Miranda Wells, and her three children living in New Orleans. Hoffmeister plays the oldest daughter named Missy Wells. The family is struggling after their father died, but a man comes into their life and advocates positivity to the family.

“When I first got [the part], I was so overwhelmed with excitement,” Hoffmeister said. “I’ve been [to] so many auditions and getting this one was so exciting and I was so grateful.”

Hoffmeister started acting when she was eight years old and she guest starred in TV shows and commercials. Hoffmeister flew down to New Orleans with her mom in November to film for six weeks with other members of the cast.  

“[Filming in New Orleans] was challenging sometimes. There was a lot of rain and a lot of weather difficulties and it was hard,” Hoffmeister said. “We had to push things off and we had to work on the weekends. There were just a lot of complications.”

Hoffmeister’s routine consisted of waking at six in the morning, and she immediately started filming all day until six each evening. She worked approximately 12 hours most days and became very close with all the other actors, Hoffmeister said.

“[Being on set] was so much fun,” Hoffmeister said. “Everyone becomes a huge family. Even the crew and all the members become really close from working with each other all day every day, so it was so hard leaving everyone; I cried for hours.”

Hoffmeister loves how acting can inspire people and allows people to feel all kinds of emotions. Hoffmeister is uncertain about her future in acting because she must balance it with school, but she does want to major in business sciences in college. The film will be released in approximately six months to a year.

“[After watching this film,] I hope people feel inspired and look at their life in a more positive way,” Hoffmeister said. “Even in the hard times, I hope people try to be grateful and look on the bright side.”