Heartstopper. Just from the name, you would probably think that it has to do something with romance, and you’d be right! Heartstopper is a new Netflix series, recently adapted from the graphic novel series by Alice Oseman. This show focuses on queer romance and the struggles of identity, as well as other teenage relationships and hardships, which provide viewers (and readers) with an accurate representation of sprouting teenage relationships. Here are our thoughts on the show!
Warning: Spoilers Ahead!!
The story depicts the developing romance between two highschool boys at Truham Grammar School, Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring, who are played by Kit Connor and Joe Locke, respectively. We see them experience new feelings and navigate their budding relationships with each other and with peers. Within the social hierarchy of high school, Nick, as the captain of the rugby team, is placed on a pedestal as an assumedly straight jock.2 Nick feels pressured to maintain this image, but once he meets Charlie, things start to change. He doesn’t understand his feelings yet, and before he can acknowledge his attraction towards Charlie, he has other hurdles to pass. We watch Nick work to understand his sexuality after meeting Charlie. Nick takes an “Am I Gay” quiz, and based off of the audience’s reaction, a lot of people have had similar experiences. Nick’s experience was what you would expect it to be; uneasy, unsure, and confusing, and we see these feelings portrayed throughout the show. Over time, Nick comes to terms with his newly discovered bisexuality with the help of Charlie, his mother, and his friends. Nick’s experience discovering his sexuality illustrated what many queer teens go through today. I found Nick’s story to be incredibly wholesome and realistic. On the other hand, we learn Charlie had a very different experience. Charlie went through a lot before he met Nick, especially since he was the only out (more like “outed”, unfortunately) gay person at his school. He faced a lot of homophobia and prejudice from many of his peers when he came out the year prior (we see him continue to deal with this in the show). Charlie had a rough path to acceptance. We see Charlie debate whether Nick likes him or not, and he pushes his feelings away because he’s scared of the outcome. Thankfully, Charlie shares his internal conflict with those who love him, and he is able to open up. I felt that Charlie’s experience depicted the other realistic side of coming out, as many people in society still aren’t supportive. Though, we still get little moments that make us beam with happiness. When watching I couldn't stop smiling because Nick and Charlie were so sweet and patient with each other. They were truly heartstoppers!
Another lovely pair we see are Tao, played by William Gao, and Elle, played by Yasmin Finney. These two are best friends, (if you’ve read the comics, you’ll know they may or may not end up together). On screen, we see Elle develop feelings for Tao early on before he does. Throughout the show we see them hang out with each other, and witness their relationship build as the show progresses. I could feel the passion radiate through the screen and actually had to pause to contain myself. Animatics would pop up on screen showcasing their heart fluttering moments which would make the moments even more adorable. In addition, Tao and Elle share a bond that grows deeper as they begin to navigate their own relationship. Along with his own plot line, Tao is Charlie’s best friend. He is strongly against Charlie dating Nick because he doesn’t trust Nick. However, we slowly see him start to realize Nick’s not all that bad. Elle, the other half of this dynamic duo, goes to the all girls school, Higgs (Harvey Grammar School for Girls). Elle is trans, and part of her story in the show is starting this new school after dealing with a lot of transphobia at Truham after coming out a year prior. We see her map out the life of being the new kid and making new friends like Tara and Darcy, which helps us divulge into our next pair!
Tara, played by Corinna Brown, and Dary, played by Kizzy Edgell, are a lesbian couple at Higgs. They have an established romance, but haven’t come out fully. Tara and Darcy however, don’t want to make a big deal of their relationship, and they decide to be open with their relationship by, kissing in public, posting photos of each other on instagram, as couples do. Unfortunately, they faced a lot of homophobia, too. Tara had been associated with Nick in earlier school years, so everyone at the two schools thought they were “meant to be.” Because of this, people question her sexuality and say harmful things such as, “I didn’t think you were a lesbian!” and “You don’t look like a lesbian.”. This part of the show is very apparent in real life, as there are many stereotypes around being gay. Thankfully Tara has Darcy (and Elle!), and she ignores the hate towards their relationship, and they continue on. Tara is so sweet and kind, and Darcy, kind and playful. Together they are an adorable couple, and I greatly enjoyed watching them together. The two of them provide us with wonderful wlw representation. Kizzy and Corinna portray Tara and Darcy incredibly, and I just loved the show. I was enamored with them and their performances!
Heartstopper has to be one of my favorite shows in the whole world. In the show we see incredible representation, and the cast really embodied their characters. This show kept me smiling until my cheeks hurt, and I don’t think any other show could top this one. Nick, Charlie, Tao, Elle, Tara, and Darcy, all warmed my heart to its core. I’d do anything for this show, so 100/10!
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