Let me tell you something that’s been gnawing at me for weeks: Alan Ritchson’s latest project isn’t the action-packed Jack Reacher series we all know and love. No, this time he’s playing a grieving father in a faith-based drama that’s quietly dominating Netflix. And honestly? I think this says more about the state of modern cinema than we’re willing to admit.
Here’s the thing: Ritchson has built his career on punching bad guys and dodging bullets. His Reacher persona is so ingrained that when I first heard about Ordinary Angels, I assumed it was some kind of Christian action flick. But what I found instead was something far more interesting—a raw, emotional performance that makes me question why we ever let actors be typecast in the first place. This isn’t just a career move; it’s a rebellion against the idea that actors can’t evolve. And personally, I think that’s the most exciting thing about it.
Now, let’s talk about Ordinary Angels itself. The film is set in 1994 Louisville, following a hairdresser named Sharon (Hilary Swank) who becomes entangled with a family dealing with tragedy. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it avoids the typical pitfalls of faith-based cinema. Most of those movies feel like they’re trying too hard to preach, right? They’re so focused on their message that they forget to tell a human story. But here, the faith element is almost a footnote. The real drama is in the relationships—the way Sharon’s grief mirrors Ed Schmitt’s (Ritchson) struggle to hold his family together. It’s not about religion; it’s about connection. And that’s why it resonates.
I’ve watched enough of these so-called ‘Christian films’ to know how predictable they can be. But Ordinary Angels defies expectations. The direction is subtle, the performances are grounded, and the script avoids clichés. What many people don’t realize is that this film was born from a musician’s passion project. Dave Matthews brought the real-life story to life, and somehow, it all clicks. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t always need to be flashy to be powerful. In fact, I’d argue that’s the opposite of what we’re used to seeing in Hollywood these days.
And then there’s the Netflix factor. Let’s be honest: streaming platforms have a weird relationship with ‘meaningful’ content. They’ll push a Kevin Hart comedy to the top of the charts but let a deeply moving drama like this languish in the shadows. But here we are—Ordinary Angels is now a top-tier Netflix hit. What this really suggests is that audiences are craving something different. They want stories that don’t just entertain but also challenge them. It’s a trend I’ve noticed with other recent films, like The Power of the Dog or Parasite. People are tired of empty spectacle. They want substance, even if it comes wrapped in a faith-based package.
Ritchson’s performance here is what truly elevates the film. He’s not just playing a grieving father; he’s embodying the quiet desperation of someone who’s lost everything. And I think that’s what’s so refreshing about this role. It’s not the kind of part that would show up on a Marvel poster, but it’s the kind that stays with you. It makes me wonder: how many other actors are hiding incredible dramatic talents behind their action-hero personas? What if we stopped defining them by their most famous roles and started looking for the stories they’re actually capable of telling?
So, if you haven’t seen Ordinary Angels yet, I urge you to do so. Not just because it’s a good movie, but because it’s a sign of something bigger. It’s a glimpse into a future where actors aren’t limited by genre, where streaming platforms prioritize depth over dopamine hits, and where audiences are finally ready to embrace stories that don’t just blow things up. And if that sounds like a stretch, well… I think you’re missing the point. This isn’t just about a movie. It’s about the kind of world we’re choosing to watch—and maybe, the kind of world we’re choosing to create.
