- The Netflix series “Finding Her Edge” is a dramatic exploration of competitive figure skating with themes of ambition, legacy, and financial pressure.
- Main characters Adriana Russo (Madelyn Keys) and Brayden Elliot (Cale Ambrozic) form a pivotal partnership to save the Russo Rink from financial collapse.
- Elise Russo (Alexandra Beaton), Adriana’s older sister, faces personal challenges that affect her competitive spirit and relationship with Adriana.
- The series ends with Adriana and Freddie (Olly Atkins) rekindling a romantic and professional partnership to secure the future of the rink.
Breaking Down the Ice Skating Drama: “Finding Her Edge” on Netflix
“Finding Her Edge,” a 2023 Netflix series based on Jennifer Iacopelli’s novel, takes audiences through the high-stakes world of competitive figure skating. The story follows Adriana Russo (Madelyn Keys), a former competitive skater who stepped away from the sport after her mother’s death.
Revisiting the Rink: The Financial Struggle
The Russo Rink, family-owned and struggling with financial instability, is at the heart of the drama. Adriana’s father, Will (Harmon Walsh), prioritizes Elise (Alexandra Beaton)—his older daughter—over maintaining the rink. This neglect leads to mounting bills, equipment failures, and declining attendance. The tension between family and financial survival forms the backdrop against which the main characters navigate their ambitions.
Adriana’s Return: A Strategic Move
Adriana decides to return to competitive skating, not for personal validation but to secure sponsorships and media attention needed to save the rink. Her strategic partnership with Brayden Elliot (Cale Ambrozic) is central to this plan. Initially meeting at a family party, their first interactions are marked by mutual respect and underlying chemistry.
“Brayden puts up a facade that comes across as very confident—he thinks he’s the best—but deep down, he’s dealing with a lot with his family and personal life,” explains Cale Ambrozic. “Through all the ups and downs, he learns a lot about himself. And the relationship between him and Adriana is one that he has never experienced before.” This dynamic partnership evolves through rigorous training sessions at the Russo Rink.
Family Tensions: Elise’s Challenges
Elise, the older sister, sees Adriana’s return as a threat to her solo skating legacy. Her jealousy and sabotage of the family rink intensify when she injures her arm during a performance. Forced to confront physical limitations, Elise eventually acknowledges her behavior and takes steps to rectify it.
Alexandra Beaton, who plays Elise, says, “Elise’s actions are driven by fear of being replaced or overlooked. Gradually, she starts cooperating with family efforts and carefully returns to training within her physical limits.” This transformation highlights the series’ exploration of personal growth amidst competitive pressures.
Romantic Tensions and Competitive Pressure
The series also delves into romantic complications. Adriana’s former skating partner Freddie (Olly Atkins) reenters the scene, adding layers to their already complex relationship. Riley (Millie Davis), Freddie’s current skating partner, brings a stabilizing presence but faces her own challenges with Freddie.
Freddie’s struggle to separate past feelings from the present forms an integral part of his character development. “Everything that goes on in the Russo household really ratchets up the pressure for Freddie,” explains Olly Atkins. “There’s so much expectation—competitively, romantically. He’s under a lot of pressure, and he holds onto it pretty well, but it starts to get away from him later in the season.” These personal dynamics intertwine with their competitive efforts, adding depth to the narrative.
Conclusion
A Strategic Partnership
The series culminates with Adriana and Brayden’s strategic partnership leading them to secure a place at the World Championships. However, the partnership fractures off the ice when they present themselves publicly as a couple to secure funding for the rink. Despite their success, personal connections are left strained.
“For Adriana, the ending is really about security.
I think it is security in herself, financial security, but also her relationship with Freddie,” says Madelyn Keys. “The final moments show that she’s not completely alone in the world; she has her sisters there for her.” The season ends on a bittersweet note, leaving viewers eager for more from this compelling drama.
The narrative of “Finding Her Edge” masterfully balances personal and competitive pressures, highlighting the complexities of family dynamics, ambition, and financial struggle. It offers a poignant exploration of how legacy, survival, and love intersect in the world of figure skating.