Ordinary Angels 2024 Movie Review

The opening scenes of this true-story-inspired drama paint a poignant picture: from the joy of a baby’s arrival to the heart-wrenching loss of her mother just five years later. The narrative swiftly shifts to a bustling bar in Louisville, Ky., where Sharon, a vivacious local hairdresser portrayed by Hilary Swank, indulges in a night of revelry, unaware that fate is about to intervene in her life.

With the sudden passing of her husband, Ed Schmitt (played by Alan Ritchson), a hardworking roofer, Sharon finds herself thrust into single parenthood. Burdened by mounting medical bills and caring for their young daughter, Michelle, who requires a life-saving liver transplant, Ed’s world is shattered.

Upon learning of Ed’s dire situation, Sharon, despite her initial reluctance, decides to take action. Her determination to assist the struggling family becomes her driving force, especially after attending an A.A. meeting where she finds renewed purpose.

In many ways, Sharon’s tenacity and outspoken nature echo the spirit of iconic characters like Erin Brockovich. Unyielding in her pursuit of help for Ed and Michelle, she boldly challenges the bureaucracy at a hospital conference, refusing to accept defeat. Her memorable retort, “Was that funny?” to a dismissive bureaucrat underscores her unwavering commitment to their cause.

While the filmmakers, under Jon Gunn’s direction and a screenplay by Kelly Fremon Craig and Meg Tilly, condense the real-life events for cinematic storytelling, they focus on Michelle’s journey, omitting the parallel struggles of Ed’s other daughter. This streamlined approach allows for dramatic moments, such as the urgent plea for transportation with the line “We need a plane.”

Despite its authenticity, the film occasionally veers into clichéd territory, particularly in its narrative beats and characterizations. However, it transcends these conventions in a powerful scene that delves into Sharon’s psyche, revealing how her altruism may be intertwined with her own personal struggles and addictive tendencies.

In this moment of raw vulnerability, the film breaks free from clichés, offering a nuanced exploration of Sharon’s motivations and the complexities of human nature amidst adversity.