Growing up is never easy, and thinking about the future can be overwhelming, but when you have the right people by your side, you can overcome any obstacle. In the final instalment of the Netflix series Heartstopper, adapted from Alice Oseman's graphic novel, the film Heartstopper Foreverbrings back Charlie (Joe Locke), Nick (Kit Connor) and all their friends to say goodbye one last time.
Beginning in 2022, our cast of child stars have now grown into adulthood, and so has the film instalment of the beloved series. Touching on serious topics like anxiety, parental abuse and moving away to college, Heartstopper Forever has matured with its audience.
Heartstopper Forever is still a family-friendly film, similar to the series. A strong coming-of-age story. However, I would advise that the film does include several scenes of sexual intercourse and mentions of self-harm, so I would still advise the audience to do their research on these mature topics before diving into the film blind.
The Heartstopper series, though known for dealing with difficult subject matters, has often been dubbed an optimistic LGBTQ+ narrative. Heartstopper Forever is no different from that, but they do dive deeper into the complex emotions Charlie and Nick are holding during this transitional time for them.
In the past, Charlie has often been highlighted as the protagonist who struggled with bullying, an eating disorder and accepting his sexuality. These points still linger in Heartstopper Forever, but Nick and his struggles are the primary focus in the film.
Nick has become overwhelmed by his anxiety and the feeling that he needs to be perfect. Not knowing who he is outside his relationship with Charlie, Nick is often depicted with Oseman's classic drawings of storm clouds and greyness. Nick is lost.
Charlie tries to be the person Nick needs, but he is too afraid to open up. As a result, the couple forget how to properly communicate with one another and break up. Both boys are stuck in their own self-pity and don’t know how to find each other.
I think the film does a fantastic job of showing how relationships can go through ups and downs, and that communication is key to a healthy partnership. Nick says he “doesn’t know who he is” but knows he is a good boyfriend. Of course, having qualities that make you a good partner are important, but also being an individual is crucial.
I enjoyed that Nick goes out and gets a part-time job in a dog shelter to help guide him. Nick has always gotten along with dogs and is able to help one get adopted. This job provides Nick with fulfilment and allows him to grow outside his relationship with Charlie.
I also appreciate that the film shows that when you are young, you might break up, but if you have a conversation, you can understand the fears each member in the relationship is holding. Having to start a long-distance relationship is hard when going to university, but if you don’t close yourself off, you can continue to have a healthy connection no matter how far apart you are from one another.
Unfortunately, my one frustration with Heartstopper Forever is the lack of development for our other beloved characters. In the past seasons, we would get to look at the subplots of Darcy (Kizzy Edgell) and Tara (Corinna Brown), Tao (William Gao) and Elle (Yasmin Fineey), Isaac (Tobie Donovan) and Imogen (Rhea Norwood). We do get little moments with each of these characters, but in the time difference of a whole season vs a two-hour movie, Charlie and Nick’s friends' storylines are significantly cut.
Personally, I find it disappointing that Elle’s storyline was rushed into one Pride march montage. When transgender rights are actively being repealed, specifically in the UK where Heartstopper is from, I would hope they would have highlighted Elle and her story more.
Same goes with Elle and Tao’s relationship. Throughout the film, we keep hearing that they are on a break, a contrast to Charlie and Nick’s anxieties that teen relationships do not last. Unfortunately, we do not know the ins and outs of why Elle and Tao’s relationship is on the rocks besides both wanting to do different things after graduating high school. As one of the biggest relationships on the show, I wish they were given more screen time and development.
Darcy and Tara’s roles are lessened significantly in the film. Two characters that had major storylines in the past were left to be in the background in the film. I do think this is disappointing, as Tara is one of the only characters of colour in the series and Darcy the only non-binary character. Both of the characters get their happy ending, which I’m glad, but we do not know anything about them in the film besides one-off lines. This left me disappointed, as since season one Darcy and Tara’s relationship inspired Nick and Charlie to be open and free, so to see them sidelined in the film is upsetting.
Despite my criticism, I do think Heartstopper Forever is a beautiful film that does the transition from series to film pretty smoothly. I know the actors are ready to leave these characters behind and wanted to give them a proper ending. You get that in Heartstopper Forever. You know that these characters we have grown up with for three seasons are going to be okay and have a wonderful future. All the friends and relationships have mended, and you are left with an optimistic feeling about what is ahead for Charlie, Nick and all of their friends.
In a world where LGBTQ+ youth's rights are continuing to be threatened each day, I think it is important that media like Heartstopper Foreverexist. Stories of hope and happiness are needed for all queer folks. With LGBTQ+ media often having a tragic ending to them, it fills my soul to see Charlie and Nick showing everyone out there that you can be true to yourself and find love.
Heartstopper Forever is now streaming on Netflix.