Netflix’s Fascinating Ice Skating Show ‘Spinning Out’ Displays Harsh Reality of Mental Illness

For the fans of the British teen comedy-drama Skins (2007-10), the name Kaya Scodelario definitely rings a bell. Now, this talented actress is making the rounds with the sensational performance in the Netflix ice skating series Spinning Out.

Kaya Scodelario plays the role of Kat Baker, a gifted figure skater, who almost quits the sport following the tragic fall on the ice that almost ends her life. In fact, the whole Baker family carries an immense passion for ice skating; her mother used to be an Olympic hopeful while her younger sister Serena Baker (Willow Shields) is an equally talented skater.

Watch: Spinning Out | Official Trailer | Netflix

The subsequent failure to reach her previous levels leads Kat to contemplate hanging up her skating boots for good. However, she receives a saving grace for her career after she’s approached to try out pair skating with a bad boy partner Justin Davis, played by the dashing Evan Roderick.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7v326ApWoF/

Amidst all the drama, the entire Baker family carries a history of mental illness with the most burden falling on the shoulders of the aspiring Olympian Kat Baker. Besides her post-traumatic stress disorder, Kat is tasked with managing her mother’s bipolar disorder and subsequently protect her sister, Serena, from the aftershock of their mother’s worst episodes.

Kat and her mom Carol Baker (January Jones) can’t help themselves clash in their day-to-day life fueled by their respective mental illness. However, both of them continue to provide their best effort to take care of the youngest member in their family, Serena Baker.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7JYA99J3W_/

During all the chaos in her life, Kat, who is best friends with Jenn Yu (Amanda Zhou), becomes determined to learn pair skating after stumbling upon the rink owner’s son, Justin Davis (Evan Roderick), who is dealing with issues of his own. The series displays the harsh reality of competitive sports, where athletes are obsessed with striving for perfection at the expense of their own well-being.

Nothing less than absolute precision is psychologically acceptable for these athletes, and this is one of the major reasons why the ladies in the Baker family tend to hide their own mental illness, leading to further complications. Besides mental health, Spinning Out deals with issues concerning racism, sexual orientation, financial hardship, and predatory sexual instincts.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7gegS2pA_p/

The most notable cast member in Spinning Out is undoubtedly the Olympian Johnny Weir who steals the show by performing his own scenes. The real-life athlete is portraying the character of Gabriel Richardson, who alongside his skate partner Leah Starnes (Kaitlyn Leeb), competes against the pair of Kat & Justin. Besides Weir, Jonathan Van Ness, the grooming expert on the Netflix series Queer Eye, makes a cameo appearance as a skating choreographer.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7_gOhnJG1c/

Both Kaya Scodelario and January Jones deliver stunning performances in the Netflix ice skating series. Kaya, in particular, manages to captivate the audience with the portrayal of her maniac state while she strives to restrain herself from falling victim to one of her episodes. Likewise, Carol displays a brilliant performance showcasing her dramatic moods triggered by bipolar disorder whilst revealing the vulnerable side of a single mother.

Spinning Out season 1 premiered on Netflix on 1st January 2020. Although it’s yet to be confirmed, the season 2 is likely to receive an official confirmation by the end of February 2020.

Check out: Bagged Milk?? with the Spinning Out Cast | Netflix

Visit Celebs In-depth for more interesting Biography and details on Celeb Life.