INDIANAPOLIS — It's a story about hope and survival.
According to the National Weather Service, central Kentucky and southern Indiana had nearly two feet of snow in January 1994 and temperatures that reached an all-time low of -22 degrees in Louisville.
In "Ordinary Angels," a struggling hairdresser (Hilary Swank) finds a new sense of purpose when she comes across a widowed father (Alan Ritchson) caring for his two daughters, one of whom is critically ill and in need of a liver transplant — as this severe weather is approaching.
"It's a remarkable true story," said two-time Oscar winner Swank ("Million Dollar Baby," "Boys Don't Cry"), who plays Sharon Stevens. "I didn't get to speak to (Sharon) before filming. There were many reasons that made it impossible, but I feel like I knew her."
Ritchson took a step away from his action-heavy characters in "Reacher" and "Fast X" to take on this dramatic role.
"I'm on a show where you can solve problems with fists or guns, and that's not reality for many of us," Ritchson said. "To play a father who's rather helpless against time and nature is heartbreaking, but it calls us to remember that we need each other and can help each other."
And aside from being a critically-acclaimed film – with an 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – "Ordinary Angels" is bringing awareness and raising money for people who are struggling with medical debt.
"There's been a really great partnership between Lionsgate and organizations like RIP Medical (Debt) and organ donating," Ritchson said. "RIP Medical works to erase medical debt for those in need. Sadly, we still need a lot of that in the U.S."
"Ordinary Angels" is now in theaters nationwide.