This is a quietly moving story that deserves more recognition. It’s a biographical sports film centered on American gymnast Ariana Berlin. The narrative explores the familiar theme of athletes battling back from setbacks and injuries, a common element in sports films. The movie begins with a brief look at her childhood and what gymnastics meant to her, showing how she grew up alongside her close friend, Isla. The story unfolds during a pivotal point in her life, when she was on the verge of achieving her dreams, but an unforeseen event shatters those aspirations. What sets this film apart is that it isn't your typical sports movie; while some familiar tropes are present, it distinguishes itself from others like 'Bleed for This,' despite sharing a similar structure and focusing on a different sport. Having seen other gymnastics films, including ‘The Bronze,’ I found this one to be a unique experience because many of those movies emphasize heroism—often feeling contrived or unrealistic in their depiction of overcoming obstacles and achieving grand goals. This film is more about the passion for the sport itself. The process of recovery often requires encouragement, and it’s unexpected where that support might come from. You might anticipate guidance from a coach, parents, friends, or a mentor, but this film takes an unusual approach. The source of her boost came from hip hop music—a surprising connection, though one can find parallels in physics, even if the two seem disparate. Such fusions are becoming increasingly common in modern professional settings, and it’s fascinating to see how they work; it represents a form of innovation. I didn't find it particularly extraordinary, but it was quite enjoyable. > ❝Sometimes when the front door gets slammed in your face, you have to go through the back door.❞ The film started well, and after establishing the initial setback that sets the stage for the rest of the story, the middle section progressed nicely. While the plot points weren’t entirely unexpected, they were reasonable, and I wasn't certain where the narrative was headed—it felt somewhat disjointed until the third act, when it finally focused its direction. The area where some viewers might feel let down is regarding Ariana’s dream; her passion triumphs, but not necessarily her ambition. The ending itself was straightforward yet inspiring. It ranks among the best sports films of the year and proved to be entertaining. I felt that the dance sequences could have been given more attention, although it wasn't primarily a dance film and did incorporate enough elements to suggest otherwise. Don’t go in expecting a dance movie; instead, anticipate something focused on gymnastics. If you appreciate that sport, especially as an aspiring athlete facing challenges, it will motivate you to persevere. It was a completely unexpected film, and I’m glad I watched it. I would certainly recommend it if anyone asked for suggestions of good sports films or biopics. The casting was strong, with attractive actors in the lead roles—a plus for male viewers. While I don't have extensive knowledge of gymnastics, it’s clear that the main cast worked hard to achieve a high level of performance, at least getting close to perfection. I hope Ana Golja and Sarah Fisher will be featured in more leading roles; they were both very impressive. The real Ariana Berlin made an appearance in a cameo role. The writing and direction were solid, but it was the compelling storyline and the performances that truly elevated the film. I appreciated the gymnastic stunts and displays. The runtime and pacing of the narration were ideal. Overall, it’s an admirable film. Biopics are often worth seeing, so I hope you consider this one. _8/10_

Source on TMDB