Alan Ritchson ‘raises the bar’ with his performance as a struggling widowed father (Image: LIONSGATE)

Just hours after being added to the streaming service, a new release on Netflix that has left viewers in tears is the number three film in the top 10 chart.

Reacher’s Alan Ritchson delivers a moving performance in this lesser-known yet critically lauded real-life drama film that’s just landed on the platform.

Alongside a two-time Oscar winner, this uplifting, faith-based film is essential viewing for subscribers seeking an inspiring story to lose themselves in this week.

Just ensure you’ve got tissues to hand, as Ordinary Angels tackles some challenging themes, with the action star playing single father Ed, who’s battling with parenthood after the devastating loss of his wife.

Whilst waiting anxiously for a liver transplant for his seriously ill youngest daughter, Hilary Swank’s struggling hairdresser Sharon discovers fresh purpose when she encounters Ed and rallies their community to assist during his time of crisis.

Oscar-winner Hilary Swank plays a hairdresser who embarks on a life-changing mission (Image: LIONSGATE)

Ordinary Angels is now available on Netflix UK from this Sunday (25th January), so ensure it tops your watchlist if you’re after a life-affirming drama that will pull at the heartstrings.

One five-star review from a Rotten Tomatoes user described the film as “a beautiful and inspiring story!” whilst another proclaimed it the “best feel good movie I’ve seen in a long while”. The film has also struck a chord with IMDb reviewers, with one glowing review confessing it was “enough to make a grown man cry”.

They reassured hesitant viewers concerned about religious themes, noting: “If you don’t believe in God or don’t want to be preached to then you’ll be ok watching this movie. The story that this movie tells is that God does his work through others acts of kindness.

This inspiring drama based on a true story is now on Netflix in the UK (Image: LIONSGATE)

“This movie does not judge those that don’t believe and not every conversation has to do with religion. It’s really about a family and their struggles with finances and healthcare. It’s overall a good family movie. It’s fun, it’s sad and heartwarming.”

Another admirer lavished praise on Ritchson’s portrayal, declaring he “raised the bar” and remarking: “Ritchson’s tears and anguish was a gut punch in reality.

“The mixture of love, loss, sadness, faith and joy has the viewer twisted emotionally throughout the film. I highly recommend this film.”

Meanwhile, a third enthusiast hailed it as “perhaps the best film of 2024” and raved: “BRAVO! TEN OF TEN STARS!!!! This is a wild ride with many ups and downs. It is a beautifully told story of a family struggling with insurmountable obstacles. The acting is brilliant.

“The young girls are very believable, and often hard to watch in their hardships. Hilary Swank deserves to win awards for her role. Alan Ritchson plays a wonderful father who will do anything for his family.