Lexie Boardman
More heart-warming than heart-stopping, the Netflix adaptation of Alice Oseman’s graphic novel series follows the vulnerable, coming-of-age love story between school children Nick and Charlie. The story is endearing, wholesome and sweet – the show casts a warm light on growing up in the LGBTQ+ community.
Having already been ‘out’ at school the year before the series was set, the darkness and suffering that Charlie had experience was depicted through his support network of his close friends group. A new seating plan for their form group saw Nick and Charlie seated beside one another. A concerned Charlie looks over to see the warming glow of Nick Nelson, a charming rugby star, who at one glance finds himself reassured – a comforting feeling that appears throughout the series.
“Nick Nelson’s cosy glow”
Charlie had been stuck in a secret relationship with a year 11 boy, Ben, but found out that he had been in a relationship with a girl at the same time, as well as being disrespectful to him when they aren’t alone. After rugby practice, Nick catches Ben holding Charlie against a wall and belittling him. Nick comes to the rescue, separating the pair and supporting his newfound friend, Charlie. Healing from this is provided to him regularly by Nick Nelson’s cosy glow, and the warmth between the pair only advances.
“the brutal reality of British secondary schools”
Artistic touches across the whole show add to its easy-watching nature. Cartoon doodles of leaves, hearts and sparks respect and honour Heartstopper’s graphic novel origins. Adults are sparsely present throughout this coming-of-age love story, so the focus remains on Charlie, Nick, and their friends. T
he diverse casting included acting new-comer Joe Locke, Kit Connor (who starred as a young Elton John in Rocketman), and Yasmin Finney (soon to be starring in Doctor Who) – all of which encapsulate everything that heartstopper and teen LGBTQ+ romance is. Musical choices throughout such as Wolf Alice’s ‘Don’t Delete the Kisses’ and Orla Gartland’s ‘Why Am I Like This?’ only further complement the narrative.
“a moment that shone a light on an aspect of growing up in the community that often is hidden”
As easy-watching and heart-warming as this series is, it isn’t entirely pleasant, with dark moments of homophobia, transphobia, bullying, and fallouts between friends. But that is one of the beautifully discerning aspects of Heartstopper: the brutal reality of British secondary schools. It provides a powerful sense of relatability to the viewer.
A well-informed series, Heartstopper presents common LGBTQ+ struggles in an accurate manner, giving much-needed attention to some of the hidden battles of the community. One moving moment came from Nick’s first visual questioning of his sexuality, typing “Am I gay?” into a Google search – a moment that shone a light on an aspect of growing up in the community that often is hidden.
Wholesome, comforting and charming: Heartstopper is a teen love story that has the ability to bring people together. If you’re searching for escapism into a world of teen crushes and romance – look no further.
Featured image courtesy of Mercedes Mehling Via Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here.
Lexie Boardman
I am a 21-year-old journalism graduate studying MSc Media Psychology, passionate about music, sports (especially motorsport), sustainability and wellbeing.
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