For anyone worried that Ordinary Angels looks too narrowly faith-based, fret not. But for those looking for a story that reminds us of the power of faith, you're also in for a treat here. The new drama from director Jon Gunn (The Case for Christ) offers a lovely balance and walks a fine line.
It's only rated PG, but that shouldn't deter hardcore film buffs who might be in the mood for a tearjerker of a story. There's currently a billboard on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles that reads something to the effect of, "Binge One Day Alone So You Can Ugly Cry in Peace." The hit Netflix series will certainly bring tears to your eyes, and it has that in common with the heart-wrenching Ordinary Angels. Starring Academy Award-winner Hilary Swank and Reacher star Alan Ritchson, Ordinary Angels is impactful, well-acted, and avoids cheesiness for the most part.
This Is Why Swank Is an Oscar-Winner
Ordinary Angels
4/5
- Release Date
- February 23, 2024
- Runtime
- 1hr 56min
- A simple story told well
- Swank and Ritchson are great in lead roles
- Doesn't get preachy about religion
- More formulaic than some people might enjoy
"What did I ever do to you?" mutters the perpetually struggling Ed Schmitt to the sky towards the beginning of Ordinary Angels. He's one of two dueling protagonists here — the other being Sharon, played to perfection by Hilary Swank. By "dueling," we only mean in regard to screen time. Sure, these characters butt heads from time to time, but the end result is a friendship that will inspire you to take a step back, try to reconnect, and perhaps even forgive past companions of yours.
Ed is a father of two girls, one of whom has a failing liver and needs a transplant. He's a single dad who needs help, but won't accept it. Not even from Sharon, a local hairdresser recovering from a drinking problem who stumbles upon Ed's heartbreaking story in the newspaper.
Swank's Southern drawl here might remind you of her Oscar-winning turn years ago in Clint Eastwood's excellent film, Million Dollar Baby. Though she's not throwing any fists here — perhaps just figurative ones when she skips around town refusing to take "no" for an answer while fundraising on behalf of Ed's family. Ritchson, meanwhile, is miles away from his Fast X action-hero persona, though his character Ed possesses the same sort of grit and stubbornness at getting what he needs. That only gets him so far, however, and it's a hoot seeing him reluctantly accept Sharon's help to raise money for his daughter's liver transplant.
There are comic-relief moments aplenty, on that note, especially with Sharon's hairdresser friend Rose (the terrific Tamala Jones) perpetually trying to keep her in check. Sharon doesn't exactly understand boundaries, but sometimes that pays off. As we watch Sharon bond with Ed's daughters in the most heartwarming of ways, there is a depth and warmth shining through from Swank. Sure, Ordinary Angels veers into saccharine sentimentality from time to time, but you can't help yourself from fist-pumping whenever Sharon works her magic and pulls off miracle after miracle in getting Ed's baby girl one step closer to her liver transplant.
Alan Ritchson's Relatable Turn as a Dad
The promotional and marketing material for Ordinary Angels shows Swank and Ritchson in some sort of blizzard. The whole movie, we were waiting for it... and then the third act strikes. Specifically, it strikes at your heart. Watch as the last 45 minutes or so become a race for the liver transplant, with a little community in Kentucky coming together to save Ed's increasingly ailing daughter. Sharon even gets the media involved to spread the word as Mother Nature strikes and prevents the ever-determined Ed from taking certain routes to get to the right hospital.
On that note, this is a star-making role for Ritchson outside the action space. He recently opened up to MovieWeb (which you can watch in the video above) about how his real-life demeanor shines through in Ordinary Angels in a way. He and Ed are both stubborn "lone wolves," so it's endearing seeing him finally accept help from Sharon and others along the way.
Then there's Swank, who seemed to have fallen off our radar in years past. We'd love to see the actress return to the Karate Kid franchise with the upcoming last season of Netflix's Cobra Kai. But more importantly, Hollywood needs to hand the Oscar winner more roles like Sharon. She is simply irresistible. Bring the tissues and brace yourself for a real-life tale about the power of love, community, and acceptance.
From Lionsgate, Ordinary Angels hit theaters Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. You can watch the trailer below.
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