In television and film, competitive sports are often seen as exciting and rewarding, but a newer Netflix entry, “Finding Her Edge”, reveals the pressure, loss, and sacrifices behind that success. “Finding Her Edge” follows Adriana Russo, the overlooked middle daughter in a legendary figure skating family. Her parents, Will and Sarah Russo, were Olympic gold medalists who opened the Russo Rink, a training center for elite skaters. After Sarah’s death, Adriana steps away from competitive skating to help her father keep the rink running, while her older and younger sisters are pushed toward success on the ice.
When Adriana’s ex boyfriend and former skating partner, Freddie O’Connell, returns to train at the rink with a new partner, she is forced to confront both her past and her future. At the same time, the rink begins to struggle financially, adding even more stress to an already struggling family. In an attempt to save the rink, Adriana partners with Brayden Elliott, a talented but selfish ice dancer with a reputation. Together, they fake a relationship to gain sponsorships, which complicates both their personal lives and their partnership on the ice.
One of the strongest parts of “Finding Her Edge” is its focus on real life issues that feel relevant to teens. The show addresses the death of a parent, sibling rivalry, financial instability, and the pressure to meet expectations. Adriana’s struggle to balance her own desires with her family’s needs feels realistic and relatable for many teenagers, particularly young women.
The acting throughout the series is strong, but several characters are limited. Specifically, Elise, the oldest Ruso sister. She is often seen as a villain, even though she is facing similar pressures as the rest of her family. Her repeated cycle of arguing with her family, briefly making up, and then fighting again becomes frustrating and repetitive. Although the actress gives a good performance, the writing fails to give Elise meaningful growth and instead continues the constant conflict.
Another weakness of the show is its romantic storyline. Adriana ending up with Freddie feels disappointing because their relationship lacks chemistry and seems based more on comfort and familiarity than growth. Adriana’s connection with Brayden feels more natural and emotionally engaging. While Brayden makes mistakes that ultimately cost them their partnership, his character feels more developed, making it disappointing that he is not given more time as a love interest.
Overall, “Finding Her Edge” is an emotional and engaging series with strong themes and solid performances. However, bad writing in its character development and questionable romantic choices stop the show from reaching its full potential. “Finding Her Edge” is currently streaming on Netflix.
