Finding Her Edge, a captivating Netflix series, follows the journey of teenage figure skater Adriana Russo, played by Madelyn Keys, as she attempts to make a professional comeback alongside her new partner, Brayden Elliott (Cale Ambrozic). This latest release, which debuted on Netflix on January 22, is an adaptation of Jennifer Iacopelli’s 2022 novel of the same name.
Set against the backdrop of intense competition, the story unfolds as Adriana and Brayden navigate not only their skating aspirations but also the complexities of their evolving relationship. To generate buzz and attract sponsorships, the duo fakes a romance, all while Adriana grapples with her lingering feelings for her first love, Freddie O’Connell (Olly Atkins). At the same time, she deals with family struggles, grieving her mother and fighting to save her family’s skating rink from closure.
The series skillfully explores the pressures faced by young athletes, examining themes of love, competition, and personal growth. Inspired by real-life events and echoes of Jane Austen’s classic, Persuasion, Iacopelli crafted a narrative that resonates with the ambitions and emotional turmoil of its characters.
As Adriana and Brayden prepare for the World Championships, the stakes rise dramatically. Their initial performance in the national qualifiers is marred by media scrutiny following a viral staged photograph of their on-ice kiss. While Brayden initially blames Adriana for their lack of focus, fortune tilts in their favor when another pair’s disqualification allows them to qualify for the World Championships.
The climactic competition in Paris sees both pairs deliver a powerful performance. Ultimately, Adriana and Brayden triumph, securing the championship with a score of 98.36, just ahead of Freddie and his partner, Riley Monroe (Millie Davis), who score 98.14.
However, amid the backdrop of their competitive victory, Adriana’s heart reveals its true alignment. After winning the title, she surprises everyone by passionately kissing Freddie in a public display of affection, which leads to the end of her partnership with Brayden. The emotional fallout highlights the complications of mixing personal feelings with professional ambitions.
Despite the dissolution of their romantic and professional ties, both Adriana and Brayden remain committed to their skating careers. A month after the championship, the narrative hints at future competition when Adriana and Freddie reunite as skating partners, encountering Brayden and Riley, who have also teamed up. This unexpected twist suggests that the story is far from over, teasing viewers with the potential for ongoing rivalry and personal growth between the pairs.
The series closes on a hopeful note, with Adriana revealing her determination to tackle new challenges in her skating journey, while her family’s skating rink is transformed into a skating academy, promising a bright future for aspiring skaters. The richness of character dynamics and the emotional intensity of competition provides an engaging watch, making Finding Her Edge a standout addition to Netflix’s offerings.