This is one of those “you would never believe this story if it weren’t true” movie stories which inspire people to write, produce and act in them because those stories have dramatic resonance precisely because they did happen, against all odds.  Usually they are uplifting, inspiring stories which obtain greater impact because our world has so many negatives, yet these stories find hope and tenderness and mercy.  There is a religious element involved here, too, which is comfortable and important for those who believe, but not sledgehammered so hard as to be intrusive to those who do not.

Jon Gunn’s film focuses on the Schmitt family, who are inflicted with illness.  The mother becomes ill and dies, leaving father Ed (Alan Ritchson) to care for his two young daughters, one of whom, Michelle (Emily Mitchell) has inherited her mother’s illness.  Soon Ed is drowning in medical bills and Michelle’s liver begins to fail.  From out of nowhere comes the help of Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank), a local hairdresser who read about Michelle’s illness and wants to do something positive for her.  Sharon dedicates herself to saving the young girl’s life, which ultimately involves kickstarting a community effort during a massive snowstorm.

Just like those “Who Rescued Who?” bumper stickers that exhort people to adopt rescued pets, this movie questions which character receives the greatest benefit from Sharon putting Michelle’s needs ahead of her own.  Sharon is the movie’s hook into the story and she provides the proof that doing good for others is a process that works both ways.  And to the credit of the filmmakers, they do not balk at presenting Sharon’s faults and flaws in damning detail.  Yet the film’s heart and soul is resilience of the Schmitt family — of stoic Ed, who works himself ragged in a losing battle against money and time (he compares to a modern Job more than once); the grace of both daughters, especially Michelle, in the face of her inexorable decline; the patience and wisdom of grandmother Barbara (Nancy Travis), keeping hope alive no matter what.  One cannot help but be affected by their situation.

It just so happens that the liver transplant that Michelle needs becomes available on the day of Louisville’s biggest snowstorm in years, and the overlong climax of the story really, really pushes credulity to its limits.  While every story needs obstacles to be overcome, this seems a bit much — but of course it all happened, which is why a movie was made about it.  The acting is excellent, particularly by Alan Ritchson, whose restraint as Ed is remarkable.  And Hilary Swank continues a career of good choices in meaningful projects.  Add the presence and charm of the adorable young girls and this is rock solid, wholesome, inspiring entertainment.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  1 March 2024.