Synopsis
Released in 2024, Jon Gunn’s “Ordinary Angels” is an inspiring film based on a true story that captured the hearts of many Americans. With a backdrop of the early 1990s, the film portrays the moving story of a woman who, over the course of an intensive emotional journey, manages to change the plight of a profoundly struggling family.
In Louisville, Kentucky, Sharon Stevens is a hairdresser who is both kind-hearted and deeply troubled. She is a recovering alcoholic desperately trying to make something of herself after a lifetime of mistakes and disappointments. She is deeply flawed like the rest of us, but one thing is clear—there is goodness in Sharon who, despite everything, is willing to lend a helping hand.
One day, while glancing through a local newspaper, Sharon comes across a story that deeply moves her. It is about a man called Ed Schmitt. Ed is a widowed father of two infant daughters and is battling monumental challenges. After recently losing his wife to a terminal illness, Ed is left to grapple with an even more unthinkable situation: his youngest daughter, Michelle, is critically ill and requires an urgent lifesaving liver transplant. To make matters worse, Ed’s family is struggling with mounting medical bills, emotional trauma, and a rapidly deteriorating situation. Ed is on the edge of collapse.
Sharon becomes fixated on assisting the Schmitt family after developing empathy towards their challenges. What begins simply as a gesture of goodwill escalates to a personal mission. Sharon rallies her community by hosting accessibly charitable events, inspiring people to donate their time, money, and effort. Sharon’s fervor spreads like wildfire, and for many, participating is more important than affluence or influence.
A catastrophic change to the status quo occurs, however, when a snowstorm strikes the area, putting Michelle’s scheduled hospital transport for her transplant in critical danger. Sharon and the Schmitts are in a race against time, but the roads are snowed in and Sharon’s time is of the essence. Headed by Sharon, the community comes together to not only assist the Schmitts in any way possible but to also ensure the road blockade is resolved.
Sharon is not the same person by the end of the film. The Schmitt family’s dedication to her community not only influences their healing process but also brings a sense of altruism and genuine intent to their lives. Ordinary people, when motivated by compassion and strong conviction, are reminded of the impact they can have when they persevere.
“Ordinary Angels” focuses on the unforgettable moments when “people come together” to offer kindness, grace, and mercy, and how such moments reveal the kindness that grace and mercy embodies.
Cast & Crew
Main Cast
Hilary Swank as Sharon Stevens
Academy Award Winning actress Hilary Swank brings emotional depth and raw authenticity to the role of Sharon. Swank captures the complexities of a woman untangled from the dark past that forged her, with a deep need to forgive and be forgiven. Her performance is both gritty and breathtaking, and anchors the entire film.
Alan Ritchson as Ed Schmitt
Known for his roles in Reacher and Titans, Ritchson brings to life the grieving yet determined father with a grounded, yet emotionally resonant performance. He depicts Ed as a man caught with one foot in despair and the other in hope, and his chemistry with Swank gives the film emotional weight.
Nancy Travis, Tamala Jones, and Amy Acker have supporting roles that round out the community surrounding Sharon and Ed and emphasize the community spirit that is the backbone of the film.
Crew
Director: Jon Gunn
Gunn directed films such as The Case for Christ and Do You Believe?, and is well known for inspirational dramas. Gunn’s direction on Ordinary Angels is emotionally attuned and focuses on human connection and relationships rather than melodrama.
Writers: Meg Tilly and Kelly Fremon Craig
The screenplay was written by Tilly and Craig, who is known for The Edge of Seventeen. It is well regarded due to the blend of heartwarming storylines alongside humor and well-developed characters.
Producers: Kevin Downes, Jon Erwin, Andrew Erwin, and Daryl Lefever
The Erwin Brothers, known for films like I Can Only Imagine, add their signature uplifting tone and cinematic polish to the project.
Music: Brent McCorkle
The film’s score is primarily piano and orchestral, underlining the film’s emotional stakes while highlighting the narrative’s themes of hope and resilience.
Cinematography: Kristopher Kimlin
The story’s grounded realism is reflected in the warm and intimate visual style that uses natural light and close camera work.
IMDb Scores and Response from Viewers and Critics
“Ordinary Angels” has a score of 7.3 out of 10 on IMDb as of August 2025, meaning that both critics and audience members view it favorably. Fans of family inspirational dramas and faith-based films were the most touched by the film. However, its universal themes of kindness, community, and perseverance drew in a wider audience as well.
Critical Reception
Praise for Performances:
Swank has received a great deal of acclaim for her performance as Sharon, and critics noted that she overlooked the cliches that come with redemption arcs and instead drew upon real human efforts.
Alan Ritchson’s Role:
Many were impressed with Ritchson’s performance as Ed Schmitt and his understated, emotionally honest take on the character. Ed’s character development from hopelessness to a guarded sense of optimism beautifully blended with the fiery determination of Sharon’s character played by Swank.
Direction and Tone:
Gun received praise for directing a film that had the ability to be emotionally resonant without being manipulative. The film’s ability to blend tragedy and hope so that the audience remains engrossed but not swamped balances on a tight rope is astounding.
Emotional Impact:
Its snowstorm climax and rescue scenes stood out most in reviewers’ minds and left the most impact. Many reviewers noted these moments were particularly memorable within the film. The finale received particular praise for its emotional weight and storytelling.
Criticisms
Predictability:
While other reviewers complimented the film for the performances and storytelling, a few specifically mentioned that the film is too predictable, especially for people that watch faith-based or inspirational films. Most people thought the film was better than its formulaic plot due to how well the cast performed.
Simplified Conflict:
Some other reviewers thought that the film focused on simple acts of kindness, ignoring wider social and systemic issues. While this focus was effective for the film’s core message, it left some viewers wanting for more depth.
Audience Response
Emotionally, the film left a mark on most viewers, and as a result public reaction to it was, for the most part, positive. It inspired a lot of people, which is part of the reason so many people were talking and writing about it, calling it a tearjerker. Several people pointed out the importance of community and selfless public action in the contemporary divided global society, claiming the film addresses those issues in a timely manner.
Due to its positive storytelling and simple plot, Ordinary Angels quickly gained praise from families and was suggested for group viewings.
Conclusion
Ordinary Angels is not just a movie that brings joy; it also honors the unsung heroes among us. The film brings to life the story of how a steadfast will can change an entire community for the better, transforming tragedy into triumph, and is brought to life through the compelling performances of Hilary Swank and Alan Ritchson. The film’s plot is bursting with emotion, featuring relatable characters who embody hope, and makes us realize that altering the state of someone’s life is not about being famous, rich, or having superhuman powers. All it takes to make a difference is the will to care and the bravery to act.
Ordinary Angels is set in a world often filled with negative, big-budget movies. This film reveals that, no matter the challenges, showing kindness and working together can work wonders.
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