(Photo courtesy of Netflix Media)
Written by Colleen Bement, Editor
I checked out episode one of Netflix’s new series Finding Her Edge, and it quickly became clear that no one in the writers’ room—or on the production team—has ever been within shouting distance of a real ice rink. Consultants with ice skating experience appear to have been left off the call sheet entirely, whether we’re talking choreography, casting, dialogue, wardrobe, or even the basic anatomy of a competition.
That said, the acting is not the problem here. Madelyn Keys, Alexandra Beaton, and Alice Malakhov do genuinely solid work as the central trio of sisters. They shine as much as the material allows, managing to ground their performances despite some truly baffling creative choices. And to be clear, this isn’t a “YA problem.” I enjoy Young Adult shows and films quite a bit—especially when I’m looking to escape reality and sink into something fun and low-stress. YA can absolutely be smart, charming, and emotionally resonant. This just… isn’t.
Let’s talk skating. Or at least what Finding Her Edge thinks skating is. The wardrobe choices alone feel like they were pulled from a pop music video rather than a competitive rink. As if that’s what ice skaters wear. As if that’s what an ice skating competition looks like. And then there’s the skating itself. If a supposed elite skater’s most difficult move is a single Axel, you can’t help but wonder how hard casting tried to find doubles who could handle even basic competitive-level skills. I was a former skater, and the disconnect is a bit jarring. Maybe some would never notice, but there could have been so much more work done for authenticity.
The story itself is reasonably entertaining. Based on a novel by Jennifer Iacopelli, the core concept works, and there’s a solid foundation here for a compelling sports drama. Unfortunately, the execution undermines it at nearly every turn. The script lacks polish, the dialogue often veers into inconsistent or outright cheesy territory, and chemistry among the supporting characters is surprisingly thin. Outside of the sisters, it takes real effort to believe any of these people actually exist in the same emotional universe.
In the end, Finding Her Edge is exactly what it looks like: a light, cliché-driven YA sports drama that may scratch the itch if you’re in the mood for something breezy and low-commitment. If you’re hoping for deep character development, authenticity, or high-stakes drama, this probably isn’t your stop. And if you’re specifically craving ice skating and romance, you’re better off revisiting The Cutting Edge or Ice Castles. If you want a truly sharp, award-worthy take on the sport, I, Tonya is still sitting there, blade-sharp and undefeated.
Check out the trailer and dive in…proceed with caution.
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