‘Ordinary Angels’ Review – Proof That Anyone Can Do Good

Ordinary Angels is a faith-based film based on a true story. It’s a warm period piece that documents the time in Louisville, Kentucky, and the events leading up to January 17, 1994. Hilary Swank stars as Sharon Stevens, the headstrong hairdresser who led a community to help a little girl, Michelle Schmitt, who needed a liver, and Michelle’s father, Ed (Alan Ritchson), who needed to believe again. In the beginning, Sharon is a drunk who pounds shots at bars until she can’t handle them anymore and has vodka with her morning orange juice. Her friend Rose tries to get her help, but Sharon isn’t interested.

One day while buying beer, a newspaper article about Michelle catches her eye. The article talks about the recent loss of Michelle’s mom, Teresa, and the fear that Michelle could be next. It also lists the address of Teresa’s funeral, which Sharon unexpectedly attends. It’s there the pastor challenges the congregation to “find a way to help this family,” and Sharon begins to feel like she’s supposed to help get the money for Michelle’s medical bills.

After having a hair-a-thon, Shannon manages to raise a little over 3K and takes it to Ed’s family. Ed is one of those guys who is used to doing things on his own but between Sharon and his mom, he slowly learns to accept help. And it’s a good thing he does because as Michelle gets sicker, his finances are being drained. Sharon becomes a surprising advocate as she appeals to the investors with a press kit she’s put together for Michelle while Ed (with Sharon’s help) has negotiated to work with a roofing company, but unfortunately, as soon as money is made another bill is due.

As you might suspect, Sharon has her demons she’s still fighting throughout this process. While there is not much of a deep-dive into the effects of alcoholism or how rough Sharon fares with it beyond surface-level aspects like drinking at odd times or making drunk phone calls, Swank works with what she has to give the character of Sharon depth and provides insight into her need for redemption and self-acceptance. The character that brings forth the most emotional beats is Ed; through the performance from Ritchson, Ed is a hard-man on the cusp of losing his faith while having unbelievable love for his daughters. We see his grief, worry, and pain, but it is the moments of happiness that make his portrayal a breakout.

Though the overall pace of the film is slow, it picks up during the finale as stakes are raised, emotions are high, and time is running out to pull off a miracle. It’s in these final scenes that the value of community brightly shines through as director Jon Gunn showcases togetherness and obstacles that will have audiences gripped with suspense and anticipation building to the last few minutes.

Ordinary Angels is a story of hopefulness, strength, and perseverance. It’s a tale of how even the most unlikely of people can step up and help someone else, and it reminds us that we’re only alone if we choose to be. While there are mentions of God throughout, the story focuses more on his believers choosing to show what can happen when we put others above ourselves and take a chance even when we might not feel worthy. Like Sharon says to Ed, “Life’s about saying yes…and then figuring out how.” Ordinary Angels is a must-see for faith-based film lovers, but also anyone in need of insightful inspiration.

Ordinary Angels will debut in theaters on February 23, 2024, courtesy of Lionsgate. 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNv-HpcGe0I]