We’ve seen the likes of Call Me By Your Name, Cucumber and even Love, Simon release over the past few years, telling the stories of unique, queer characters that face their own turmoil and internal struggles with different results and end-game conclusions. So, when Alice Oseman’s graphic novel Heartstopper was picked up by Netflix for an original series, those involved knew they had to do everything in their power to stand out from the crowd.
Fortunately, they found that in rooting the story in realism and heart-wrenchingly relatable content, they didn’t need to do anything extra to ensure this was a eight-episode experience that will go down in history. Oseman wrote such an incredible narrative, that all the crew had to do was bring it to life on the small screen and, they do so with incredible precision, lifting scenes and dialogue straight from the comic book’s pages.
Heartstopper tells the story of high school teenagers Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor). Charlie’s a gay Year 10 and Nick is assumed to be a straight Year 11 by all who know him. Both have adorable hairstyles and, when they’re assigned seats next to one another in form for the new school year, quickly strike up an unlikely friendship which leads to sudden romantic feelings between the two. Nick realises that he may not have fully discovered exactly who he is and Charlie? Well, he’s happy that there’s now a boy in his life who’s treating him with kindness and respect.
As the pair visit one another’s homes, playing video games and catch falling snow on their tongues, their hormone levels reach an all-time high leaving them confused and nervous, yet excited for what their futures may hold. Locke and Connor do an incredible job of portraying that inner conflict that all teenagers feel at one stage or another (and even some adults), whether it be in a traditional sense, like when to pick up on social cues, or more modern techniques of communication, like typing out the perfect private message on Instagram. Their chemistry is utter fire and you could cut the lust-fuelled, romantic tension with a knife whenever they get a quiet moment together.
Props also must of course be given to the incredible supporting cast, including Yasmin Finney and Will Gao whose performances as Elle and Tao respectively, will go a long way in allowing youngsters who watch the show to be confident in being their true selves, unapologetically. Corinna Brown is also a standout as Tara Jones, with Kizzy Edgell instantly loveable as Darcy Olsson.
Oseman has also confirmed that new character Isaac - played by Tobie Donovan - is both aromantic and asexual, otherwise known as Aro/Ace. Despite being a member of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s not a term I was familiar with and I think that this is probably quite likely for many others who fall under the rainbow umbrella. Seeing Isaac's story and identity explored further in any future seasons would be a welcome education, delving into how some people can fall in love, even when it’s not romantic or sexual for the most-part.
With so many layers, Heartstopper has… well, a lot of heart! It delivers in every way and opens the door for many other stories to be told through charming and relatable characters that help form a pillar of support for youngsters who may have nowhere else to turn. A real treat, and one that I’ll undoubtedly be watching time and again.
Heartstopper is available to stream now, exclusively on Netflix.
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