We can’t get over these heartstoppingly powerful scenes
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGES BY NETFLIX
Yesterday (17 July), the highly anticipated feature-length film, Heartstopper Forever, came out on Netflix. It marks the end of the Heartstopper universe, after six graphic novels, two novellas and three seasons of a TV show. It will sorely be missed, but it was one phenomenal ending. There were many iconic moments that gave us a lot of feelings.
Warning: spoilers are coming.
The celebration of platonic love
While Heartstopper focuses on the MLM love story between Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson, platonic love is celebrated as much as the romantic kind. There were so many moments where you could tell how much these characters loved and showed up for their friends. And yes, Nick and Charlie were sad to be transitioning to a long-distance relationship due to Nick starting uni, but it is just as emotional for this friendship group to not know if they will ever be all together at the same time again.
Charlie running for head boy
His previous experiences of being bullied at school for being outed as gay have always had a massive impact on Charlie. We’ve seen the way it has affected his self-esteem and confidence. It was very moving to see how far he has come when the film opens on him running for head boy and delivering a powerful anti-bullying speech.
Elle pursuing her dreams
By the time the credits rolled, it wasn’t clear whether Tao and Elle had remained broken up and were navigating friendship, or if there might be hope for them to rekindle their romantic relationship. Either way, I loved watching the bond between these two characters. As wonderful as it was seeing a Black trans girl get to experience a romantic love story, it’s also powerful to see the way Elle knows what she wants and she’s no longer afraid to follow her dreams.
Imogen coming out as a lesbian
It’s quite common for queer people, before realising their queerness, to establish themselves as passionate “allies”. This is why it’s been oh-so-relatable to watch Imogen go from ally to out-and-proud lesbian. Her journey shows that it’s not an easy or fast journey. After going through the rough waters of freeing herself from compulsory heterosexuality, she ends the film beaming as she uses the lesbian label.
Tori’s casual coming out scene
Is this my favourite coming out scene of all time? Probably! When Charlie comments that Tori and Michael are “very cute for a straight couple”, Tori responds with: Since when are we straight? She goes on to say she’s surprised Charlie didn’t notice Michael’s bisexuality because of his obsession with Pedro Pascal. “But what about you?” Responds Charlie. Tori responds nonchalantly with: “You know I’m asexual, don’t you?” And, no, he did not. When Charlie follows up with curious questions, Tori says: “Maybe our together isn’t the same as your together, or the normal sort of together. But, it’s ours, and we’re happy with it.”
Nick healing from past wounds
This loyal Virgo had some amazing growth in the film. We’re used to seeing him as the golden retriever type, but this time we got to see all the sadness and stress Nick has been repressing. People-pleasers with abandonment issues around the world will surely feel seen by his journey in Heartstopper Forever.
Tara and Darcy interrailing
Compared to other couples, Tara and Darcy (aka #Tarcy) had a relatively chill time. They’re still very loved up, and by the time we say goodbye to them, they are embarking on an interrailing adventure. Go lesbians!
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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