HEARTSTOPPER has made a huge impact on LGBTQ+ media and what it could be. So often we see these stories of gay men whose tales end in tragedy and despair. However, right from the first episode of this charming Netflix series, we are inundated with joy and authenticity from these deeply lovable characters. HEARTSTOPPER ended just how it started, leaving audiences smiling and hearts filled.
HEARTSTOPPER started as a webtoon series in 2016 by author/artist Alice Oseman. The series follows two young boys, Charlie Spring (portrayed by Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (portrayed by Kit Connor), as their friendship turns to something deeper. Just about every other sexuality/gender is represented in the series with characters who are transgender, asexual, nonbinary, sapphic, bisexual, etc. No identity is cast aside or deemed “less important,” and I think that’s what makes HEARTSTOPPER so comforting and appealing.
It was announced that Volume Six of HEARTSTOPPER would be the ending to this story, meaning the television show would have to end as well. With three seasons, it was time to see how this story would conclude. But they decided to make a major change to the ending by omitting a full fourth season for a film. You can tell this was an early decision, as the graphic novel is thin. It feels quite simple and really centers around Nick and Charlie without giving much story time to the other characters.
With that in mind, the film is fine because it is able to do exact justice to the graphic novel without having to cut anything. But because the content is so limited, it DOES feel like something was cut, and that there should be more. It is a large adjustment to go from three seasons with eight half-hour episodes and condense to a 1-hour-54-minute film. This decision heavily supported Nick and Charlie’s arc, but it took a huge hit on any other character who didn’t quite get the justice they deserved. As I mentioned in one of my opening paragraphs, that is why HEARTSTOPPER feels so special- because no community is left out. Nick and Charlie are able to exist so freely in this world because they are surrounded by people who have welcomed them and are also special and authentic. That is my one critique of the ending, and something that was very clear while watching the finale.
But overall, the ending is simple and sweet, and a really nice conclusion to this love story. It challenges this “perfect” couple persona that Nick and Charlie have set as they transition from teens to young adults. It very maturely handles talk of sex, individualism in relationships, and open communication. Joe Locke did such a lovable job of playing Charlie Spring, and he is easily my favorite character in the whole story. I cannot wait to see where Locke goes after this, having already made a name for himself in the Broadway community and in his role as “Teen” in AGATHA ALL ALONG. Kit Connor perfectly matches his energy and plays a very dimensional Nick Nelson. Connor already had some level of fame before HEARTSTOPPER even started with his role as “Young Reggie” in ROCKETMAN. Since then, he’s been in THE WILD ROBOT and WARFARE, and starred alongside Rachel Zegler in ROMEO + JULIET. The two have fantastic chemistry and make it beyond easy to root for this couple. They are the heart and soul of this series, and although I still wish some of the other characters got more love, the story started and ended with Nick and Charlie.
The plot line is fine, but very needed to flesh out Nick and Charlie’s story. After three full seasons without much struggle, it was about time a challenge, or two, came their way to strengthen their relationship. Charlie and Nick both struggle with the adjustment of Nick leaving for Uni and how that will impact the closeness of their relationship. Nick also deals with finding an identity outside of being Charlie’s boyfriend, which I think is a really fantastic theme for teenagers who are in relationships to realize.
I am sad to see the end of this series, but glad to know that I can always come back and rewatch this saccharine sweet love story. The characters taught me a lot about love, identity, mental health, and friendship. I think these teen shows can often be viewed as unimportant, but I wholeheartedly believe that HEARTSTOPPER is one of THE most important shows to be released in the last ten years. In a world filled with hate and violence, it’s really nice to have an escape that reminds us there is hope, love, and importance for all types of people. Similar to LEVITICUS, another fantastic piece of LGBTQ+ media this year, it teaches us that there will always be hate in this world. How will you choose to deal with it? HEARTSTOPPER teaches us that love and authenticity rise above it all. I will love these characters, this story, and HEARTSTOPPER, forever and always.
HEARTSTOPPER FOREVER is now streaming on Netflix.
