Ordinary Angels

Ruminating on loss of faith and hope, the wonderfully heartfelt Ordinary Angels is a theatrical release that will no doubt stay firmly in the hearts of viewers. Although the faith-based film may argue that the events it depicts transpired due to the “miracle” figure of Sharon Stevens – an alcoholic and exuberant hairdresser who sets on a journey to help a single father and his two little girls raise money for the youngest daughter’s liver transplant – the truth of the matter is, the coming together of a community, strangers and friends alike, is no miracle. It’s a genuine showcase of the good in humanity, and the heights they can achieve when working towards one common goal. And the most tremendous thing about this epic tale is that it’s based on a true story, set in 1994 during a snowstorm in Louisville, Kentucky.

The task of adapting such a premise without losing too much of its characters’ authenticity for the sake of overdramatising the events is a tough one. Still, it’s one that director Jon Gunn achieves flawlessly, with the help of actors Alan Ritchson and Hilary Swank. Ritchson, known for his work in physically demanding projects – from his heavy involvement in the superhero genre with Smallville and Titans to his Prime Video series Reacher – finds excellence in a more grounded role as Ed Schmitt, recently widowed father of Ashley and Michelle. More than just an action star, Ritchson demonstrates his range with a captivating and extremely gut-wrenching performance as a father desperate to save his daughter but stubbornly insistent on doing it all by himself. However, the real highlight of the feature is Swank, who injects a bright and alluring charisma into her portrayal of Sharon.

Her lively and assertive personality cuts through the heavy emotions and extremely dire circumstances of Ed’s family without completely overtaking them; their story remains at the forefront. What Sharon does instead is amplify their voices by showing her perspective as an outsider. Beyond her involvement with Ed’s family, Sharon is a heavily-flawed individual. But her determination and Swank’s irresistible charm not only rally the characters on-screen to root for her, but also the audience. The cherry on top is the fantastic chemistry between Ritchson and Swank. The divide between a stoic and overly serious person alongside a chatty and boisterous one is a combination seen time and time again. But the two actors add something different to the dynamic between Ed and Sharon with their wary facial expressions and hesitant touches. It all adds to the push and pull between the two and enhances the slow build of a relationship, making the journey feel all the more rewarding for the viewer.

Despite the heavy subject matters covered – Michelle’s illness, the failure of the healthcare system, loss of faith in religion and Sharon’s alcoholism – the film maintains a light and sanguine tone. It uses comedy to deliver exposition, which works extremely well, and there are a lot of very clever one-liners like, “Some bills are like wine, they get better with time,” as Sharon jokes, that effectively elucidate the great difference in personality and outlook in life between her and Ed. Actors Skywalker Hughes and Emily Mitchell as Ashley and Michelle are absolutely fantastic, providing a sense of naivety and pureness that combats the grave circumstances life has dealt them. All of this allows the movie to breathe and not revel in the sombre themes but focus on the main lesson to be learned: to never lose hope.

Ordinary Angels is an extraordinary tale of how an ordinary group of people can overcome the odds with just a gentle push from the right person. While the premise and the fact that it’s based on a true story are enough to draw people in, many will stay for the amazing performances of the actors. It’s an emotional rollercoaster ride that is definitely worth seeing unfold on the big screen.

Mae Trumata

Ordinary Angels is released nationwide on 26^th April 2024.

Watch the trailer for Ordinary Angels here: