The opening of this drama, rooted in a true story, is stark and poignant, commencing with the birth of a baby girl and swiftly transitioning to a devastating loss five years later — the death of the child’s mother. The narrative then shifts to a bustling bar in Louisville, Kentucky, where a vivacious local hairstylist indulges in rounds of drinks, foreseeing a forthcoming hangover of epic proportions.
Following the mother’s tragic passing, her husband, Ed Schmitt (portrayed by Alan Ritchson), finds himself thrust into the role of a single parent, burdened by a mountain of medical expenses and caring for their daughter, Michelle, who at the tender age of five requires a life-saving liver transplant due to a congenital condition.
Enter Sharon, the spirited hairdresser played by Hilary Swank, whose encounter with Schmitt’s predicament at an A.A. meeting sparks a newfound determination to lend assistance to the struggling family. While not a legal thriller per se, Sharon exudes a palpable aura reminiscent of “Erin Brockovich,” fiercely advocating for Ed and Michelle’s welfare with her trademark tenacity. Her assertive nature shines through during a heated exchange in a hospital conference room, where she confronts a dismissive bureaucrat with unwavering resolve.
The filmmakers, under the direction of Jon Gunn and the penmanship of Kelly Fremon Craig and Meg Tilly, opt to streamline the real-life events for cinematic effect. While both of Schmitt’s daughters battled the same illness, biliary atresia, the narrative focuses primarily on Michelle’s story, which provides ample fodder for compelling dialogue and dramatic tension.
Despite its authentic origins, the film occasionally succumbs to clichés in its narrative and characterizations, occasionally teetering on the edge of predictability. However, it manages to break free from these constraints momentarily, offering a refreshing glimpse into Sharon’s complex psyche and hinting at the underlying motivations behind her altruistic actions, suggesting that her generosity may be fueled, at least in part, by personal struggles akin to addiction behavior.
