Everything good must eventually come to an end. Is that not the saying? Well, even if it ends its storytelling for its audience, Alice Oseman’s beloved television series — and graphic novel — will forever be available for us to come back to, whether that be to rewatch all seasons and this final film, or to re-read all the moments in graphic novel form, or their novellas as well. But alas, the time has come to say goodbye to Nick and Charlie’s story. In Heartstopper Forever, we are given one last chance to see our beloved characters together in a new tale, and we can only imagine where life will take them next.
It has been ten years since writer Alice Oseman first began publishing their graphics on the online platforms Tumblr and Tapas. From the five successful physical graphic novels that told the story of Nick and Charlie, to the latest and final instalment released a few weeks ago, there is hardly anyone who does not know or at least have heard of Heartstopper. Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring are two beloved characters in the LGBTQ+ community. Their story has spread far and wide, and it is all thanks to Oseman.
From its wide success as a graphic novel, Netflix took to adapting the series back in 2022 and, without a doubt, brought it to viewers’ screens. Kit Connor (originally known for Rocketman and His Dark Materials) and newcomer Joe Locke have since starred as the beloved pair of Nick and Charlie. See-Saw Films, Netflix, Oseman, and additional creative force Patrick Walters have since reigned in glory over the beauty they have created and shared with the world.
As people age, their stories will be shared, and we must then move on. Having practically grown up together throughout their studies, Nick and Charlie are inseparable. Now, however, Nick must prepare to leave for University, as Charlie must figure out how to be at school independently. The reality of a long-distance relationship begins to weigh on the two, and they struggle to understand what it could mean for their future.
Throughout the three seasons of the show on Netflix, we barely saw any life strain or complications in the minds of these young characters. Now, in their final movie together, things take a turn. An abrupt change in mentality and worry about what lies ahead leave us, as viewers, scared of what could go wrong. After having spent years connecting and learning about the queer and LGBTQ+ experience from the two and their friends, it almost feels wrong to be in the place we are now.
Not only are Nick and Charlie headed towards life changes, but their friends are as well. Navigating the ups and downs of love, friendship, and life, the group must confront the all-too-real challenges of growing up. Elle (Yasmin Finney) and Tao (William Gao) face the idea of long distance; Tara (Corinna Brown) and Darcy (Kizzy Edgell) are against what it means to grow up and be your own person; and Tori (Jenny Walser), Isaac (Tobie Donovan) and Imogen (Rhea Norwood) also confront a different path.
With all things Heartstopper, we are constantly reminded and taught about how it is okay to be different. How we feel, who we like, what we want to be, nothing needs to be linear; we do not need to follow a specific diagram laid out for us. In their characters, Oseman crafted something completely brilliant. The film does not forget these intimacies and reality-driven points.
Unfortunately, after what were eight-episode seasons, the film structure did not give Heartstopper as great a chance to thrive. Unlike the eight 30-minute episodes that fleshed out the plot, the film gave Oseman just under two hours to wrap up their adored characters’ stories. They definitely had the plan in place for the graphic novel’s final volume, but as the plot unfolded visually, things felt rushed and underdeveloped.
That need not diminish the impact and importance of what Oseman and Heartstopper do and mean for many people. Beyond simply the male romance between Nick and Charlie, each character continues to bring something to the table. Elle represents transgender rights, Darcy and Tara as lesbians bring that joy to the screen, and then Isaac and Tori are away from the basics the world knows as they discuss more about asexuality.
It is always wonderful to witness actors become so comfortable in their roles that there is barely anything to remind us that the characters are not real people. Over the past four years, not only have we, as the audience, grown up with the gang, but so have the actors who portray them. No matter what is thrown at them, emotionally or even physically, each finds a way to draw us back to the character’s heart and soul.
No matter how quick it may seem, the hour and 55 minutes that brought us to the end of Nick and Charlie’s story will no doubt leave you in tears—something so bittersweet after following along for so long. We can forever be grateful to both Oseman’s graphic novel and Netflix series for reminding the world that these are real people out there who deserve to be seen, heard and loved. A brilliant and beloved cast, Heartstopper Forever is a touching film that wraps up a beautiful and tender story of love, friendship and understanding.
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Streaming on Netflix July 17th / Kit Connor, Joe Locke, Yasmin Finney, William Gao, Corinna Brown, Kizzy Edgell / Dir: Wash Westmoreland / Netflix
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