From squat rack to silver screen: Powerlifter Lily Riley’s dazzling move

After beating kidney cancer, powerlifter Lily Riley has defied expectations once again — trading weights for her acting debut in Netflix’s The Edge, a gripping drama that explores the struggles of elite female athletes.

Acting was never on the radar for Australian powerlifter Lily Riley. But in a twist as dramatic as the storyline of her debut film, the 33-year-old athlete has found herself stepping well outside the squat rack and into the spotlight.

Riley stars alongside filmmaker Jane Larkin from Boy Swallows Universe and Japanese Paralympic swimmer Mei Ichinose in The Edge, a raw drama set to premiere on Netflix on June 20.

The film follows three female athletes as they navigate the intense psychological and emotional toll of competitive sport.

Production Stills of Powerlifter, Lily Riley who features in the Aussie film, The Edge which will stream on Netflix soon. Picture: Supplied

While fictional, much of it draws heavily from Larkin’s own experiences as a young woman navigating elite sport — including her battle with sexual misconduct at the hands of a person of influence.

“The Edge was my first time acting and fell well outside my comfort zone – so I wasn’t sure what to expect,” Riley said.

“But everyone on set made it such a positive experience, even getting me through some of those spicier scenes with a belly full of laughs.”

The cast is a powerful blend of performers, Olympians and Paralympians, including gold medallists Sally Pearson and Leisel Jones, sprinter Riley Day, and swimmer Braeden Jason.

“It’s a film that stands alone in its field,” Riley said.

“The Edge was my first time acting and fell well outside my comfort zone,” Riley said.

“Showcasing not only the pressures of elite sport, but from the perspective of people from different walks of life who also faced their own personal challenges.”

Now five years in remission after being diagnosed with stage two kidney cancer and undergoing surgery to remove her left kidney, Riley says her unexpected detour into acting has been one of many blessings since her recovery.

“When I thought I was at the peak of my powerlifting career, I was hit with that diagnosis. “But instead of letting it end things, I focused on regaining my strength,” she said.

Her character Sylvia mirrors parts of that journey, vibrant and resilient, but also vulnerable.

Except for scenes where she had to get angry or emotional, Riley found she really resonated with her character.

“I resonate with her bubbly personality easily, so most of the film I was able to relax into the role. I did, however, struggle with the scenes where Sylvia was angry or upset — those took a lot more work.”

Riley said the film’s strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of real-world issues.

“The Edge highlights real life topics like sexual assault, mental health, cultural diversity, disability and sexuality. It shows how these women battle, navigate and overcome.”

Outside of film, Riley is focused on growing her coaching business and using her platform to inspire others to embrace sport and healthy living. She recently squatted 290kg in the prestigious Animal Cage at the Arnold Classic in Ohio, a moment she describes as “very surreal.”

Lily Riley who features in the Aussie film The Edge, which will stream on Netflix soon. Picture: Supplied

With a few more big goals to tick off, including a 300kg squat and 700kg total, Riley has no plans to slow down. “I’m off to Ireland and Scotland in the next couple months to compete in both powerlifting and the Highland Games. Wish me luck.”