Back in 2022, an absolutely adorable LGBT series debuted that became a cultural smash, buoyed by the vibrant source material of Alice Oseman’s graphic novels of the same name. Heartstopper made instant stars out of its two leads, both notably queer actors playing these queer roles to bring a rare level of authenticity to the table. Though Netflix opted to cancel the show after three magical seasons, Heartstopper Forever was the compromise. In the vein of Sense8: Amor Vincit Omnia, Heartstopper fans will be in heaven with the series capper, which adapts the final graphic novel (Heartstopper: Volume 6) and the novella Nick and Charlie; the film is penned by creator Oseman, who knows this universe like the back of her hand. The end result is a sugary-sweet delight. Heartstopper Forever remains just as emotional and impactful as previous seasons, culminating in an optimistic, nostalgic love letter to the franchise—and the once-in-a-lifetime romance at its core.
We last left Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor) in lustful connection, with Charlie finally comfortable enough to take off his shirt around his hunky rugby boyfriend, and seeking therapy to help overcome his eating disorder. Now, Charlie has been elected Head Boy at school, continuing to advocate for queer kids as Nick’s university admissions and graduation looms. If last season was very Charlie-heavy, the film finds a stricter calibration of Nick’s story. Heartstopper has always had a way of dealing with heavier topics without getting too wrapped up in gay tragedy tropes, and the manner in which season three explored Charlie’s recovery journey made for some especially compelling television. In Heartstopper Forever, Kit Connor gets to shine in his best effort yet; Nick has always been the golden retriever of the relationship, yet he comes with his own sets of anxieties and insecurities. Connor mines the emotional vulnerability of his character to elevate him far beyond simple supportive boyfriend. Men’s mental health ultimately takes center stage.
The shift to a film format allows for more maturity on a few different levels. We were already headed this way organically judging by the series finale, and here, Heartstopper has graduated from TV-14 to TV-MA. Nick and Charlie become inseparable. The duo were never fully driven by their desires, yet a bumped up rating allows plenty more connection. At times, Nick even suggests sex as a sort of shield to avoid talking about his own insecurities. This isn’t Heated Rivalry, but a much more sexually-charged natural evolution to their relationship.
In addition to an added intimacy level, Forever jumps between several seasons, free from the confines of short bursts of that half-hour episodic structure. That allows significant freedoms in the activities and personal focus we get to share with Nick, Charlie, and their friends. We spend very little time at Truham Boys School, and instead calibrates the meaning of life outside high school. What could the future hold? With most young relationships failing due to distance or any number of other imposing factors, do Charlie and Nick really have what it takes to stand the test of time… and age? Outside influences tell them their love should not last, and yet, something about this couple is different from others. Oseman avoids making this a fairy tale romance, weaving in nuanced struggles and realistic conversations.
The first two seasons wonderfully utilized Olivia Coleman as Nick’s mum, and she unfortunately had to sit out the third go round. With Forever, the seasoned Oscar-winner was quite clearly too busy to return. Actress Anna Maxwell Martin steps in to replace Coleman as Sarah Nelson, a somewhat vital role given the heavier focus on Nick. This recasting is understandable, and Martin delivers a respectable performance. Still, Coleman’s warmth and effortless chemistry with Kit Connor are especially difficult to replicate. The emotional beats still work though, with Sarah emphasizing just how important it is to choose love every day. It’s a beautiful sentiment, and entirely true as anyone in a successful long-term relationship will tell you. Any relationship requires effort from both sides, but particularly a romantic one needs to constantly feel alive.
Despite a nearly two-hour runtime and a definitive positioning of Charlie and Nick as the leads of the film, we still find time for the ensemble cast to shine, too. Tao (William Gao) and Elle (Yasmin Finner) are as confusing as ever when it comes to their relationship, and the latter receives a more impactful storyline as Pride Month approaches; Isaac (Tobie Donovan) continues working on his writing, forgoing sexual connection and being a more tertiary character; Tara (Corinna Brown) and Darcy (Kizzy Edgell) break boundaries in exploration of their unconventional romance; and Charlie’s sister, Tori (Jenny Walser) remains a delight, with her boyfriend, Michael (Darragh Hand), striving for Olympic excellence. Due to the limits of a movie length versus a television series, we do not dwell on any of these side characters for longer than necessary to push the story forward. The writing is so strong on all fronts though that it never feels we are short-changing them. Oseman’s epilogue makes sure each player receives an ending of some sort that falls in line with their larger part of the overall universe. A final heart to heart between Tao and Nick at prom time is impossible not to smile through.
The visual style remains intact, with the series’ signature touches returning. Director Wash Westmoreland absolutely nails the tone. This includes everything from animated sparks, falling autumn leaves, doodles and scribbles to represent anxiety, colorful lighting, to even those light-hearted comic-inspired transitions. A lot of love and care has been put into the whole package from top to bottom. Even the nostalgia is not overdone—the flashbacks of the past are used to supplement and strengthen the emotionality of bigger moments. It never feels to simply check off boxes. Every time it celebrates the past, the script emphasizes the power of Nick and Charlie’s connection.
All good things must eventually come to an end, and so too does Heartstopper. The journey has been filled with ups and downs, tearful tragedy and soaring highs, but it’s an unforgettable one altogether. This queer Netflix show will no doubt stand the test of time, with its singular perspective and distinct style. The movie continuation honors everything fans loved so much about the show while letting its characters mature into young adulthood. Kit Connor delivers a career-best performance as he and Locke fall back into their symbiotic chemistry with ease. With higher emotional stakes, Oseman never abandons the wondrous optimism that has been a staple from the very beginning. A feel-good perfect conclusion, Heartstopper Forever will go down as one of the all-time greatest ‘series finales.’
Return to Kent for a final goodbye in Heartstopper Forever, now fluttering on Netflix worldwide.
