“Netflix Unveils ‘Finding Her Edge’: A Captivating Ice Romance”

Netflix has introduced a captivating new series titled ‘Finding Her Edge’. This eight-part adaptation draws from Jennifer Iacopelli’s novel and is inspired by the themes of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. The show revolves around Adriana Russo, a young woman portrayed by Madelyn Keys, who endeavors to save her father’s struggling community ice rink.

Plot Overview

Adriana comes from a family renowned in the world of ice dancing. After stepping back from skating when her partnership ended, she finds herself in another challenging situation. To secure sponsorships for her father’s rink, Adriana enters into a fake romance with Brayden Elliot, played by Cale Ambrozic, known as the “Bad Boy of Skating.”

Character Dynamics

The series intricately weaves Adriana’s journey with familial relationships. Her sisters, Maria and Elise, portrayed by Alice Malakhov and Alexandra Beaton respectively, add depth to the narrative. The game-changing return of her former partner, Freddie, also complicates her situation.

Creative Vision

Showrunner Jeff Norton visualized ‘Finding Her Edge’ as a blend of The Summer I Turned Pretty and Friday Night Lights. He emphasizes the importance of the love triangle while ensuring that the true emotional core lies within the family dynamics.

Production Challenges and Filming Locations

• The filming locations included various Ontario cities such as Orillia and Barrie.
• Exterior shots for an episode were filmed in Paris, France.
• Indoor scenes were shot at the CAA Centre in Brampton, in a stadium that allowed modifications for filming.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights

The casting process was challenging, with a focus on finding skaters who could act. Production employed a unique approach, involving intensive training for cast members. The team utilized creative techniques to maintain authenticity, including the use of doubles and innovative filming methods.

Writer’s Inspiration

Iacopelli wrote the original book during the COVID-19 lockdown, inspired by the performance of Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir at the 2018 Olympics. This narrative combines her insights into women’s sports with the timeless themes of Austen’s work.

Future Prospects

With the 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon, there is a renewed interest in figure skating, bolstering hopes for the series’ future. Iacopelli’s successful adaptation has sparked discussions about a potential second season, highlighting the growing visibility of her work.

Conclusion

As ‘Finding Her Edge’ prepares for its official premiere on January 22, it showcases the intersection of romance and sports. With emotional storytelling at its core, it aims to resonate with viewers and lovers of the ice, making it a highly anticipated release on Netflix.