Fear not, there are no major spoilers ahead (you’re welcome)
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGE BY SAMUEL DORE/NETFLIX
After six graphic novel volumes, two novellas and three seasons of a TV show, the groundbreaking Heartstopper universe has concluded with a feature-length film, Heartstopper Forever. Goodbyes are never easy, and this one is particularly bittersweet.
Heartstopper Forever truly captures how far all these characters have come on their journeys since we were first introduced. Charlie is utilising the coping mechanisms he’s learned to help him navigate life with an eating disorder and mental illness. Both he and Nick are having to address their co-dependency as their soon-to-be long-distance relationship looms ahead of them. Tara, Darcy, Elle, Tao and the rest of this wholesome friendship group have had such incredible growth too.
While not shying away from addressing things like transphobia and mental health, this final chapter, like the series, offers its audience some much-needed hope. It’s a comforting farewell that captures the poignant feeling of saying goodbye to major chapters of your life. You’ll want the tissues nearby.
Before Heartstopper, it was rare to see a story focusing on an MLM love story that would also offer strong representation for the wider LGBTQIA+ community. It was great to see lesbian power couple Tara and Darcy (#aka Tarcy) doing life on their terms. These sapphic lovebirds have offered up much-needed visibility for both Black and non-binary lesbians. And there’s some ever-so-relatable rep of going from being a passionate “ally” to realising just how much of a chokehold comphet had you in.
Over the years, Heartstopper has done more than simply push the needle forward when it comes to representation and LGBTQIA+ storytelling; it has changed the world. It’s healed generations of older queer people who navigated this world without ever seeing positive representation of people who look, live and love like them on screen. It’s allowed a whole new generation to grow up being shown that you can be LGBTQIA+ and still be loved. To say that it will be missed would be an understatement, but this film was undeniably a mighty and heartfelt send-off.Â
Heartstopper Forever is streaming now on Netflix. Want more Heartstopper content? You can read our interview with Alice Oseman HERE, and you’ll definitely want to keep your eyes peeled for our August/September issue (out 31 July).
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