Reacher star Alan Ritchson’s “irresistible” real-life drama has just landed on Netflix

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The heartwarming drama Ordinary Angels, starring Hilary Swank and Alan Ritchson, is now available on Netflix. Released in 2024 and directed by Jon Gunn, the film tells the true story of Sharon Stevens Evans, a Kentucky hairdresser who was inspired to help five-year-old Michelle Schmitt. Michelle urgently needed a liver transplant after tragically losing her mother.

To help the Schmitt family, Evans started a large fundraising effort in 1994 and asked the community to support them. She later wrote about this experience in her 2023 memoir, Ordinary Angels.

James Gunn’s movie features Hilary Swank as Evans and Joe Manganiello as Ed Schmitt, a grieving father to daughters Ashley (Skywalker Hughes) and Michelle (Emily Mitchell). The film also includes performances by Nancy Travis, Tamala Jones, Drew Powell, Nancy Sorel, and Amy Acker.

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In a recent interview with TODAY, Hilary Swank shared how deeply moved she was by Evans’s story. She described Evans as a powerful and unforgettable character, someone who, like everyone else, has both strengths and weaknesses. Swank emphasized that these imperfections make Evans even more relatable and compelling.

So, this character is really struggling with her beliefs, and life just feels…empty. But then she gets a chance to help a family, especially this little girl, and it’s like, maybe this is what she’s supposed to be doing. It’s a journey back to finding what she believes in, and honestly, it’s super compelling to watch.

The movie Ordinary Angels has been critically acclaimed, earning an 84% ‘Certified Fresh’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

According to Variety, the film stands out from typical feel-good stories because director Jon Gunn and his team carefully pace the heartwarming moments, preventing them from becoming overly sentimental. The film’s genuine kindness is likely to appeal even to those who are usually skeptical.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film—starring Hilary Swank as a Kentucky hairdresser who unites her town to help a grieving father and his very sick three-year-old daughter—is a powerfully uplifting and charming story that’s hard to resist.

According to The Washington Post, Alan Ritchson is a standout in the film. He completely transforms into the character, looking weathered in jeans and boots, complete with a mustache and authentic accent. He portrays a surprisingly gentle and caring father figure to a sick girl, Michelle, and her insightful older sister, Ashley.

Ordinary Angels is available to stream on Netflix.

The latest issue of Living Legends is now available, and this edition honors music legend Dolly Parton! You can purchase “Dolly at 80” at newsstands or online for only £8.99.

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2026-01-25 15:19