The best faith-based films succeed when they remember to first be a film. When they concentrate on telling a powerful story with complex characters, you’re drawn in and the message flows through. That’s the key to films—the story that inspires and draws you in.

The new faith-based film Ordinary Angels, which opens wide on Friday, February 23, remembers the importance of telling a great story. Based on true events, this is interested in being a rich, compelling journey for these characters. And that allows the message of faith, hope, and compassion to flow through the narrative, creating a rewarding and emotional journey.

The film takes place in 1993. Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank) is a hairdresser and mother who has a problem with alcohol. Her friend and business partner Rose (Tamala Jones) pushes her to get help. In an AA meeting, she hears the advice of finding a cause to get involved in.

While Sharon doesn’t think she has a problem, she sees the story of Michelle Schmitt (Emily Mitchell) in the local paper. Michelle’s mother passed away and now her liver is failing. At five-years-old, she needs a transplant to survive. That’s left her father, Ed (Alan Ritchson), grieving and deeply in debt.

For some reason, Sharon feels compelled to help. Sometimes despite the protests of Ed, she gets involved, raising funds and helping the family get clear of debt. It’s through her work helping others that she’s finally able to admit the help she needs in her own life.

This is a powerful and often inspiring film. In fact, the third act is quite the emotional journey. That’s because the film takes its time and gets you to invest in Sharon, Ed, Michelle, and their journey. It builds on the story and helps you take this journey with them.

I appreciated the script—which comes from Kelly Fremon Craig and Meg Tilly—and the way it tells the story and builds out these people and their lives. And it helps that the film has some strong actors who give some strong performances.

Ritchson, who stars as Reacher on the small screen, brings a different kind of depth and intensity to Ed. But it’s Swank who makes the film hum. She’s brave and sympathetic as Sharon, making you feel the depth of her story—both her faults and the redemption through this process.

I enjoyed the film and the overall journey. It will be a great and inspiring way to wrap up February and is one of my favorite films of the year so far.

Ordinary Angels opens wide on Friday, February 23.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.