Heartstopper Series Review

Heartstopper Series Review

(MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS)

By: Yasmin Perez

Heartstopper starring Joe Locke and Kit Connor is a Netflix series adaptation of the beloved graphic novel series with the same name. Originally released in 2018, Heartstopper cultivated the hearts of many and especially resonated with the LGBTQ+ community. It follows the progression of Joe Locke’s character, Charlie Spring, and Kit Connor’s character, Nick Nelson’s relationship. Although the season only contains 8 episodes, each episode approximately 30 minutes long, its emotional impact is felt as it creates a common space for everyone. It takes the audience along as their romance unfolds. However, not only is this a romance, but it is also a coming-of-age story. The series highlights important themes and issues such as identity, homophobia, transphobia, and the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. Nick Nelson, a popular rugby player, throughout the series comes to terms with his bisexuality and finds support amongst his friends, family, and even teachers. His character reflects the journey to self-identity that many queer teens (and all other age groups) might have gone through. The series also recognizes the discrimination that the LGBTQ+ community endures.

Despite the enormous amount of love, Heartstopper is receiving, there has been some feedback stating that the two main characters, Joe Locke and Kit Connor’s character, fail to show real chemistry. At first, I did understand how people could see this, but now I think that their awkwardness was purposeful. It’s very relatable and realistic in teen relationships. Also, it’s important to note that this is a “first love” story, and it’s meant to be authentic. It’s a new and vulnerable experience for both characters.

I love many things about this series, one being the diversity and LGBTQ+ representation. Yasmin Finney, a black trans woman, plays Elle Argent. We see her struggles when she transfers to a new school and makes friends as she was bullied at her previous school. At the end of the season, a new romance between her and her best friend, Tao, is hinted at. We also get to see yet another friends-to-lovers romance unfold between Tara Jones and Darcy Olsson.

Another thing I loved was how the series stayed loyal to the original graphic novels through the incorporation of animations. The animations added to the pureness and heart warmth of the story. The soundtrack was also incredible and I love how the show's creators cast actual teenagers to depict a high school story; finally we teenagers get to see people who actually look like us on screens. The series has easily become a comfort show of mine and practically everyone else’s who saw it. I rate Heartstopper 9.5 paws out of 10. It is definitely worth watching.