"Ordinary Angels" Review: True Life Story Inspires

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Throughout the New Testament, Jesus often spent more time with sinners than he did with the Pharisees, who claimed to know God better than the common man. From the tax collectors (who were viewed as devious) to adulterers, Jesus embraced those who had fallen and made mistakes. He recognized that flawed individuals could find their way and become the people they were meant to be.

That concept lies at the heart of Ordinary Angels, which focuses on one flawed woman’s journey as she attempts to become a better person by helping out a family in need.

Two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank stars as Sharon Stevens, a hairdresser who befriends Ed Schmitt (Alan Ritchson), a recently-widowed single father of two little girls. Ed’s daughter Michelle (Emily Mitchell) needs a life-saving liver transplant. With the support of Ed’s welcoming mother Barbara (Nancy Travis), Sharon ingratiates herself into the family. Although the prideful Ed tries to hide it, their family is suffering financially while they hope and pray for a miracle donor who can save Michelle’s life.

Early on, Sharon — who drinks too much and parties as often — hears a piece of guidance that stays with her throughout the story. “Find a reason to be here that’s bigger than you are.” That piece of advice leads her to help the Schmitts during a tumultuous time in their lives.  

Inspired by true events, the drama itself is a captivating one with Swank leading the way with her powerful onscreen presence and her character's unwavering persistence. Swank brings Stevens to life in an authentic and true way, balancing the character's sweetness with her combative spirit. At times, it’s easy to wonder about her motives — how often does a stranger come into your life wanting to help out — but Swank manages to keep the character relatable and empathetic. Ritchson (best known for his work as Jack Reacher) brings a gruffness to his character, which nicely complements Swank’s unrelenting optimism.

To their credit, writers Kelly Fremon Craig and Meg Tilly ground the characters, presenting them with understandable faults. Although the story is inspired by real events, they go out of their way to present Stevens as a flawed woman who has made a number of mistakes in her life. She drinks too much and has an estranged relationship with her son Derek, who feels let down by her. Like so many in the Bible, she’s a person who has made mistakes in the past and struggles with her own demons. 

In the final act, Stevens truly has a chance to prove herself as she and the entire Schmitt family are tested during a massive snowstorm. That leads the narrative to a thrilling conclusion and director Jon Gunn beautifully sets the stakes for a dramatic ending. It’s difficult to build tension in uplifting films such as this (where many presume they know how the story unfolds) but Gunn does an incredible job in showing the audience how nerve-wrecking things truly became. 

Even cynics may have a hard time not falling for this engrossing and beautiful story about one woman’s desire to serve others. With an inspiring story and a strong performance from Hilary Swank, Ordinary Angels is a truly worthwhile film that could — one hopes — inspire others to strive to become ordinary angels themselves.