I’m always on the hunt for a movie that can break through the noise and leave me feeling genuinely inspired. I finally got around to watching Ordinary Angels, which is currently streaming on Netflix. I went into it expecting a decent drama, but I walked away absolutely blown away by how powerful, emotional, and well acted it is.
Based on an incredible true story set during a historic 1994 cold wave, the film centers on Sharon, a fierce but struggling hairdresser in a small Kentucky town who battles alcoholism. She finds a new lease on life when she meets Ed, a widowed, hard working roofer trying to keep his head above water while facing astronomical medical debt for his critically ill youngest daughter. What follows is a beautiful, completely platonic story about human connection, second chances, and what happens when a community refuses to let a family slip through the cracks.
The main takeaway for me was just how spectacular the acting is across the board. Alan Ritchson completely steps away from his usual action heavy roles to deliver an incredibly grounded, moving performance as Ed. You can feel the sheer exhaustion and heavy grief of a father trying to balance the fear of losing his daughter with the practical nightmare of medical bills. He plays it with so much heart and vulnerability.
Now, I have to be completely honest here, I am not typically a fan of Hilary Swank. I usually find myself disconnected from her roles, but she completely won me over in this movie. She plays Sharon with a perfect mix of brash determination, grit, and deep empathy. She is loud, she is stubborn, and she refuses to take "no" for an answer when it comes to saving this little girl’s life. Swank captures the internal battle of a flawed individual trying to find her own redemption through serving others, and it made the entire narrative hit that much harder.
The chemistry between Ritchson and Swank elevates the entire film. They aren't playing a conventional romantic pair, instead, they build a realistic, stubborn, and deeply supportive friendship that forms the anchor of the movie.
If you need a feel good, tear jerker movie that will restore your faith in humanity, do yourself a favor and look this up. It’s a beautiful reminder that everyday people can become miracles for one another just by showing up. You can stream Ordinary Angels on Netflix right now, just make sure you have a box of tissues close by!
Out of 10 Popcorn Kernels, I give it a 7.5.
 |
| Find him on X @brogan78 | on Instagram | on Facebook | or on Youtube |