How far will you go to be the best? That’s the premise behind Freestyle. Written and directed by former competitive figure skater, Jordan Britt, this sports drama short film powerfully features an all-female cast. Three young female figure skaters are pitted against one another. But they have an ultimatum – only one skater will reach the regionals. Freestyle saw its world premiere in Tribeca’s ‘Shorts: Competitive Edge’ category.
This sports drama follows Sophia (Natalie Johnson) who is a young kleptomaniac figure skater. But she holds a secret. She has a fervent need to steal. This compulsive urge in turn causes her to plot against her fellow skaters. Sophia comes head-to-head with Adriana (Maurie Moore) and Cara (Amelie Wilson-Bivera). All of whom are experienced as junior and senior-level U.S. figure skaters themselves – many who are first-time actors here.
Alongside Britt is the on-ice camera operator, Jordan Cowan – a former U.S. National Team Champion. Pairing Cowan’s on-ice cinematography with Britt’s figure skating choreography really places the audience into the characters headspace. But all three skaters are desperate for the upmost approval from their strict former Olympian coach, Nadia (Anastasiia Perevozova).
They all play their roles brilliantly with great direction by Britt who frames close-up shots particularly well. Also considering the fact everyone in the cast has a relation to figure skating brings a sense of realism to Freestyle. The cut-throat rivalry behind these ice skaters causes Sophia to act rather out of hand as she begins to find competitive ways to plot against them.
Freestyle: Icy Rivalries
Freestyle opens with the most stunning shot of the film. A long shot frames Sophia sitting as an audience member in the crowd. The bright yellow chairs contrast heavily against the shadowy background. She looks pensive and clearly something is being plotted in her mind as she watches over Adriana in the ring.
The competitiveness showcased here is reminiscent to that of the popular reality TV show, Dance Moms. Head coach, Abby Lee Miller would expect only the very best from her elite team of young dancers as they prepare for the nationals in the season finales. The competitive nature behind dancers, skaters, gymnastics etc. inevitably causes bitter rivalries.
But sometimes this drama can really be taken over the edge. And that’s exactly what happens in Freestyle. Threatened by her competitors’ talents, Sophia messes with their music and as a consequence, she makes her competitors look unprofessional on the ice. But the high emotional stakes of competitive figure skating brings out the worst in each performer. Freestyle is bold in targeting multiple themes from coming-of-age, friendships, and rivalries to perfectionism and competitive performance.
Becoming the Best
An interesting moment sees Sophia nail a move much to the surprise of coach Nadia. There’s so much subtly in this scene as it reveals to the audience that Sophia has secretly been practising to become the best. These hidden moments reveal character and show the audience who she really is underneath.
Although in the process to her success, she feels the need to bring down others. It’s interesting how Sophia is framed as the protagonist as she’s really the anti-hero of her own story. As an audience, we don’t sympathise with her. Instead, the more the camera follows her the less likeable Sophia becomes as we see how she unjustly outwits her competitors.
However, there’s an amazing message in Freestyle – to mess with your opponents’ mind may get you ahead in the competition, but it doesn’t make you a good person. For Sophia she doesn’t seem to show any remorse and there’s no redemption arc for her.
Freestyle is part of Filmotomy’s coverage on Tribeca Film Festival 2026.
You can also read reviews from our coverage on Tribeca Film Festival including Whale 52 – Suite for Man, Boy, and Whale here.
Rating: 3 ½ Stars
