If I had to best describe my Heartstopper experience to someone, it would be like receiving a big, warm, bear hug. The kind that instantly leaves you with a massive smile on your face. Or in my case, ugly crying on a Saturday night over a fictional relationship.
In any case, Heartstopper, Netflix’s adaptation of Alice Oseman’s popular webcomic/graphic novel, is an absolute triumph.
It’s Here and It’s So Queer!
After being outed for his sexuality and bullied for it, 14-year-old Charlie Spring’s (Joe Locke) only form of consolation are his close-knit group of friends and his kindly art teacher. This changes during the new school year when he’s assigned to sit next to popular rugby player, Nick Nelson (Kit Connor), and a connection grows between the unlikely pair. Also along for the ride is Charlie’s fiercely loyal support system – resident mom-friend Tao Xu (William Gao), artsy Elle Argent (Yasmin Finney), and bookworm Isaac Henderson (Henderson) – all of whom bring their own flavour to the series. (Not forgetting Olivia Colman. She’s there too!)
The series explores the complexities of young love, sexuality, and self-discovery, against the torrid cycle of homophobia, discrimination, and scorn of a heteronormative society. Yet, Heartstopper never fails to push the message of kindness and warmth in the face of hate. The melodrama exists in its own bubble, with no danger of permeating through Nick and Charlie’s wholesome relationship. Unlike other high-school dramas that weaponise shock value and overly-drawn out drama (Euphoria and Sex Education, I’m looking at you), Heartstopper is able convey an authentic young adult story without the aid of tiresome narrative tropes.
Despite the introduction of few new characters and storylines, the series does its source material justice within the eight-episode span. Each episode feels lifted from a chapter of the graphic novel, with the animated illustrations bursting out of the pages through animated crackles every time hands touch, or a burst of hearts whenever a crush is born. This can be credited to creator Alice Oseman’s involvement in the production of the series, both as writer and executive producer for all of the episodes. Oseman has long been coveted in the young adult literary scene, praised for her contemporary outlook on teenage struggles, including navigating sexuality, ambition, and mental health. And Heartstopper is no exception, a webcomic which began as a labour of love, that now breathes life through a wonderfully moving live-action adaptation.
Coming of Age Has Never Looked So Pure
Another strength lies in the deeply nuanced performances by the young cast. Each actor embodies their character with conviction and heart. Newcomer Joe Locke perfectly encapsulates the sweet shyness of Charlie Spring, while Kit Connor delivers the boyish charm of Nick Nelson. William Gao and Yasmin Finney are a powerhouse duo as Tao and Elle. And sure, Olivia Colman appears for probably less than five scenes as the doting Mrs. Nelson, but oh boy does she leave you in a pool of tears with her performance.
Heartstopper is the sort of series I wish I could’ve watched while I was still a teenager. It perfectly encompassed what it felt like to grow up amidst adolescent ennui and social media. Typing out messages before hastily backspacing. Doing maths homework on the way to class. Taking Buzzfeed quizzes to make sense of circling doubts. Feeling heart flutters while talking to a crush. Scheduling movie nights and milkshake dates with close friends. Bunking off lessons and hiding in empty classrooms. The story feels so singular yet universal all at once. And while I certainly can’t turn back the clock, it left me feeling emotional for a time that has long expired, with only memories to look back on, and now a television series to live vicariously through.
Heartstopper is a beautiful ode to queer love, in its highs and lows, with its triumphs and struggles. It is moving. It is visceral. It is deeply profound. And while it may not necessarily be a heartstopper, it is most definitely a heartwarmer.
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