Drama

Ordinary Angels

Movie Trailer

Release Date
February 23, 2024

Genre
Drama

Cast & Crew

  • Hilary Swank as Sharon Stevens
  • Alan Ritchson as Ed Schmitt
  • Nancy Travis as Barbara
  • Tamala Jones as Rose
  • Emily Mitchell as Michelle Schmitt
  • Skywalker Hughes as Ashley Schmitt
  • Drew Powell as Pastor Dave
  • Nancy Sorel as Virginia
  • Amy Acker as Theresa

Director
Jon Gunn

Producers

  • Jon Berg
  • Roy Lee
  • Dave Matthews
  • Johnathan Dorfman
  • Sarah Johnson
  • David Beal
  • Kevin Downes
  • Jon Erwin
  • Andrew Erwin

Writers

  • Meg Tilly
  • Kelly Fremon Craig

Budget
$12–13 million

Production Company
Vertigo Entertainment, Stampede Ventures, Kingdom Story Company, Media Capital Technologies

Running Time
118 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

  • Emotional themes
  • Mild language
  • Depictions of illness and medical procedures

Movie Story
Ordinary Angels is a 2024 American drama film inspired by true events during the 1994 North American cold wave. Set in Louisville, Kentucky, the film follows Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank), a hairdresser who is struggling to find purpose in her life. After reading about five-year-old Michelle Schmitt (Emily Mitchell), who has just lost her mother and desperately needs a liver transplant, Sharon finds a new mission.

Despite her own struggles, including an unresolved drinking problem and a strained relationship with her estranged son Derek, Sharon becomes determined to help the Schmitt family. She organizes a 24-hour hair-a-thon at her salon to raise money for the family and becomes deeply involved in their lives. As she helps widowed father Ed Schmitt (Alan Ritchson) pay off their overwhelming medical debts, Sharon’s efforts go beyond just financial support.

With the hospital bills soaring to $400,000, Sharon’s fierce determination leads her to assist Ed in securing roofing jobs and seeking donations from local businesses. Despite Ed’s discomfort with accepting help, Sharon’s persistence keeps her going, even as she tries to reconnect with her son Derek. As winter sets in, Louisville is hit by a massive snowstorm, making the race to get Michelle to Omaha for her liver transplant more critical.

In a tense climax, Sharon uses her charm and resourcefulness to secure a plane and a pilot willing to fly through the storm. Meanwhile, Ed faces numerous obstacles on his way to the airport, but with the help of the community, they manage to get Michelle on the flight just in time. The film ends on a hopeful note, showing the power of community and the lengths people will go to help one another.

Special Effects
Ordinary Angels uses practical effects to authentically capture the harsh winter conditions of the 1994 North American cold wave. The film’s portrayal of the snowstorm is both realistic and immersive, creating a sense of urgency and tension as the characters race against time to save Michelle.

Box Office Performance
Ordinary Angels grossed $6.5 million in its opening weekend from 2,800 theaters, finishing third at the box office. It continued to perform steadily, earning $3.9 million in its second weekend, bringing its total box office earnings to $20.5 million.

Filming Locations

  • Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
  • Albany, New York, USA

Notable Quotes

  • “Sometimes, it takes a storm to bring people together.” – Sharon Stevens
  • “We’re not just saving a life; we’re saving a family.” – Pastor Dave
  • “You’ve got to believe in miracles, especially when you’re surrounded by angels.” – Ed Schmitt

Behind-the-Scenes
Ordinary Angels was pitched by musician Dave Matthews, who brought the story to Lionsgate. The film was officially announced in March 2022 with Hilary Swank and Alan Ritchson starring. Jon Gunn directed the film, with significant contributions from writers Meg Tilly and Kelly Fremon Craig. Filming took place in Winnipeg and Albany, capturing the harsh winter conditions that play a crucial role in the film’s narrative.

Final Verdict
Ordinary Angels is a heartfelt and inspiring drama that showcases the power of community and the extraordinary lengths ordinary people will go to in order to help others. With strong performances from Hilary Swank and Alan Ritchson, and a compelling true story at its core, the film resonates with viewers, offering a powerful message of hope and resilience.

IMDb Rating
7.4/10

Image Source: Lionsgate

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