A still from Heartstopper
A still from Heartstopper

Heartstopper Series Review: Queer and heartwarming 

In Heartstopper, Nick's journey of self-realization in combination with that of Charlie's self-awareness comes together like a nice warm hug on a cold winter night
Rating:(4 / 5)

For the longest time, a gay love story teetered between a shallow bubblegum romance that did not dwell on any of the pressures of the society or a pining love story that would end on a heartbreaking note. Call Me By Your Name, as beautiful as it is, is an example of the latter, and so is Young Royals. There is a wide variety of BL aka Boy Love movies and shows available in mainstream Asian languages, but there has been a void when it comes to English shows or movies. After all, even Eric broke up with Adam in Sex Education season 3. Yes, it was the right decision for him, but what about a good romantic comedy that is fuzzy and warm? We needed something to offset the brilliant but extremely intense Euphoria. Heartstopper on Netflix fills that void with just the right balance between cheesy romance and realistic fears of what it means to come out.

Director: Euros Lyn

Cast: Joe Locke, Kit Connor

Streaming on: Netflix

Through Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor), the show approaches coming-of-age with care and nourishment. The characters in this show go through an identity crisis, try to do their best in figuring out their sexuality, and beyond all, they want love, care and attention, which doesn't revel in its toxicity. This is not to say that Heartstopper doesn't have toxic characters. The show introduces Charlie as being smitten by a boy — Ben — who wants to keep their relationship on the down-low. This is not just about struggling to come out of the closet. Ben's attraction stems from a place of self-hate, of homophobia, and of juvenile understanding of feelings that he has started to develop for Charlie.

As a result, Charlie is traumatised. The show provides further context to Charlie's insecurities. He did not come out on his own terms and was bullied by his seniors for being gay. In fact, he continues to be bullied by them in the garb of humour in the present. So when he falls at first sight for a senior— Nick — who regularly hangs out with the bullies, it spells doom and gloom. This adaptation of Alice Oseman’s webcomic veers away from melodrama. Yes, Nick, the 'star rugby player' ends up being the exception in the group and is a nice guy who hides his true side from his "mates". But the film doesn't portray him as a bad boy being tamed. This trope forms the crux of films such as Notebook, or even 10 Things I Hate About You.

Initially, he finds Charlie's company extremely comfortable. He speaks his mind, he is able to be himself around Charlie and a beautiful friendship is born. As the two spend time together, there is a mutual romantic interest. Nick's hesitant to pursue this though. He is shocked to realise that he would enjoy kissing a boy if that boy were Charlie. He confesses to going through a huge "gay crisis" as he tries to come to terms with the truth about himself. Yet, he is not ready to hurt Charlie. All of these emotions — the ups and downs of its —  are beautifully portrayed by Nick. Nick's reaction and his actions are used to draw parallels between Charlie's previous love interest Ben. This is an indication of the difference between the interest that stems from hate, and one that stems from genuine care and affection.

The moment Nick realises that he could be gay, and the onset of confusion as he feels attracted to women are two key moments in the show. Yet, all of them unravel within the confines of his room. One that is indicative of the closet that Nick is in at the moment. He poses his questions and addresses his fear online while taking his time to tell people the truth. Nick's journey of self-realisation in combination with that of Charlie's self-awareness comes together like a nice warm hug on a cold winter night. Nick's bisexuality is not something Charlie panics over, because he understands that love is beyond gender. He currently enjoys it with this young man and is not ready to label it.

A still from <em>Heartstopper</em>
A still from Heartstopper

While Heartstopper is set in the present, it feels like a retro show. Dates over milkshakes, sitting side by side in form rooms, and lunching with friends are old school. Then there is "the feels", as the romantic in me would say — pitter-patter of hearts, which is emphasised by inspired animation on the screen. The homage to the webcomic appears at the most intense or sweet moments. Like when Nick and Charlie hold hands for the first time, or when the two look at each other during class. 

The supporting characters in the film have memorable arcs of their own. Elle Argent (Yasmin Finney), a transfer student who had come out as transgender continues to spend time with her friends at Truham Grammar School for Boys. Her new friends from  Harvey Greene Grammar School for Girls (nicknamed Higgs) play an important role in Nick's decision to come out to people close to him. He is inspired by a lesbian couple who are friends with Elle, and they are also the first people that Nick comes out to. With every new friend Nick makes away from his toxic circle of friends, the show iterates the importance of a safe space. It prioritizes comfort and doesn't dwell on the trauma. Instead, it decides to portray the journey of characters who overcome their trauma. Yes, it does take effort, and there are moments of self-doubt that push one further into a dark space. However, what awaits at the end isn't a tragedy that tugs at your heart, but an unexplainable warm fuzzy feeling that stays with you much after the credits roll.

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