Key Highlights
- The new ice dancing YA drama “Finding Her Edge” on Netflix is described as blunt and inoffensive.
- Adriana Russo, a teenage skater, re-enters the sport with her ex-partner Brayden after her sister Elise’s injury.
- The series relies heavily on tropes from similar YA dramas but finds its edge through ice dancing scenes.
- Critics find the ensemble performances inconsistent and the character arcs disjointed despite some sweet moments of warmth.
A New Netflix Entry: “Finding Her Edge”
Netflix has rolled out a new young adult drama titled “Finding Her Edge,” which is set to explore the world of ice dancing through the eyes of a teenage skater. The series aims to delve into the complexities and challenges that come with pursuing this high-stakes sport, but it faces scrutiny for its execution.
Adriana Russo’s Return
The show centers on Adriana Russo (played by Madelyn Keys), who is the middle sister of a prominent skating dynasty. Despite her promising start as an ice dancer, she took a step back from the sport after losing her mother two years ago to focus more on family responsibilities. Now, with her father’s coaching facility facing foreclosure, Adriana reenters the arena to form a partnership with Brayden (Cale Ambrozic), a talented but arrogant skater.
Ice Dancing and Tropes
The series makes use of ice dancing as more than just a backdrop. It provides numerous opportunities for visually appealing scenes, such as intense gazes, physical proximity, and almost kisses both on and off the ice. However, the show is criticized for its heavy reliance on common tropes found in similar young adult dramas like “The Summer I Turned Pretty” or “My Life With The Walter Boys.” These include sibling rivalry, a love triangle, social media scandals, and fake dating schemes.
Despite these familiar narratives, “Finding Her Edge” attempts to shine through its athletic performances. The skating scenes are appreciated for their genuine effort and skill, though the use of body doubles adds a layer of skepticism about how seriously viewers should take them.
Inconsistent Performances and Arcs
The ensemble cast is generally praised for their performances, with Meredith Forlenza delivering standout work as coach Camille. However, other characters are seen as inconsistent and poorly developed. Brayden’s character is often described as flaky rather than rebellious, and his chemistry with Keys is deemed mediocre compared to the in-universe description of them being “the hottest couple on the ice.”
The arcs for the main characters also appear disjointed at times. Adriana, who seems overly careless given her strict demands on others’ professionalism, stands out as a character whose development feels somewhat stilted and underwritten.
Conclusion
A Distraction or More?
In the end, “Finding Her Edge” is not considered medal-worthy but might be suitable for background viewing during mundane tasks. While it offers enough moments of sweetness and humor to keep it from being entirely boring, fans of the genre might find better options available in the vast landscape of existing YA dramas.
