Netflix has released a new YA romantic drama loosely based on a popular novel. The eight-part series, Finding Her Edge, follows a young figure skater who is facing complex dilemmas in her romantic relationship as she chases her dreams.
What novel inspired ‘Finding Her Edge’ on Netflix?
Finding Her Edge is based on Jennifer Iacopelli’s young adult novel of the same name, which is inspired by Jane Austen’s 1800s classic Persuasion, Moviedelic reported.
Speaking with Tundra Book Group, Iacopelli said she added the context of figure skating to her story while implementing parts of Austen’s novel. Iacopelli first got the idea for her novel after watching the 2018 Winter Olympics. She learned about the story of figure skating partners Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, who won gold in ice dancing that year.
“What truly resonated for me was the constant speculation that they were dating,” Iacopelli said in an interview with Good Reading Magazine, according to Moviedelic.
The author adds that she noticed “everyone’s outright refusal to believe that they weren’t in a romantic relationship.”
What is the plot of ‘Finding Her Edge’ on Netflix?
Finding Her Edge features Madelyn Keys in the role of figure skater Adriana, who trains with her new partner while still having feelings for her former partner, who’s actually her first love.
Here’s the official description, per Netflix: The series follows the three Russo sisters, heirs to a struggling figure skating dynasty. As middle sister, seventeen-year-old Adriana trains for the World Championships with new partner Brayden, while still harbouring feelings for her first love and former partner, Freddie. Her life becomes complicated when she and Brayden pretend to be a couple off the ice so they can land a sponsorship to keep the financially struggling Russo rink afloat.
Harmon Walsh, Alexandra Beaton, Cale Ambrozic, Olly Atkins, Meredith Forlenza, Alice Malakhov, Niko Ceci and Millie Davis also star.
Is Adriana’s story real in ‘Finding Her Edge’?
Although Adriana’s story is fictional, her journey reflects the real-life physical and psychological challenges athletes face as they chase their dreams of becoming the world’s best.
Jeff Norton, who is the showrunner, explained the character dynamics in Finding Her Edge as he spoke with Teen Vogue. Norton said the show blends the elements of “first loves, true loves, duty, family, and passion,” while using figure skating as the foundation.