This review was made possible by Popped receiving an advanced screener of Heartstopper Forever.
Since its debut on Netflix in 2022, Heartstopper has existed to remind us that love, in all forms, deserves to be celebrated. But as the beloved group of friends face life after high school, Heartstopper Forever poses the question: Can first loves last forever?
In its final chapter, the film takes us back to Truham Grammar School for one last goodbye, as Nick’s (Kit Connor) decision to move away for university ultimately forces him and Charlie (Joe Locke) to confront the reality of a long-distance relationship for the first time. As doubt begins to creep in, the inseparable pair face their biggest challenge yet, while their friends also navigate the bittersweet uncertainty of moving on whilst dealing with love and friendship.
Based on Alice Oseman‘s webcomic series, Heartstopper Forever serves as the feature-length conclusion to Netflix’s iconic coming-of-age series. But does the film format work? I think Heartstopper would have been better served as a fourth and final season. In under 120 minutes, the film attempts to wrap up not only Nick and Charlie’s story, but also the journeys of the friends we’ve come to know and love, leaving little room for every character to have the ending they deserve.
An Ensemble Left Behind
Whilst Nick and Charlie understandably remain the heart of the story, the supporting cast inevitably suffer as a result. With characters whose stories and personal growth were given space to develop in previous seasons like Darcy (Kizzy Edgell) and Tara (Corinna Brown), as well as Imogen (Rhea Norwood) and Sahar (Leila Khan) feeling slightly rushed in this final instalment with a lack of emotional payoff, which is unfortunate considering the fact that the show has always thrived as an ensemble.
But that isn’t to say the film has lost what made the show so special. Heartstopper is and always has been a celebration of love, but especially queer love, allowing so many people to see characters like themselves on screen, which is unfortunately still all too rare. It’s the onscreen portrayal of these relationships that made the series so easy to connect with for many, and that continues in this film, even if it doesn’t have enough time to explore every storyline to the extent they deserve.
A More Mature Chapter For Nick And Charlie
Despite the limitations, one thing the film format succeeds in is making the finale feel more intimate by focusing on the quieter, more serious moments between Nick and Charlie as they navigate a new stage of their relationship while pursuing their own journeys. In a series that’s always been so focused on the positives, it is important to see a real reflection of a relationship like theirs in the media, and watching their full story play out as they work out who they are as a couple has been a true joy.
A huge part of that comes down to the performances at the centre of the story. It is clear that Joe Locke and Kit Connor have never felt more comfortable as Nick and Charlie, making their chemistry feel stronger than ever. With a relationship built on care, understanding and support for each other and those around them, it is difficult not to root for the pair and their heartfelt coming-of-age journey.
But alongside the performances, the soundtrack remains one of the film’s greatest strengths, with the show being known for generating ‘viral’ songs that many can relate to; the film follows in its footsteps, carefully curating songs to capture every emotion of the characters, making the film feel like a true continuation of the series audiences fell in love with.
The Heart Of Heartstopper Remains Intact
As the pair face the upcoming challenge of living apart for the first time, the film explores a more mature side of their relationship that audiences haven’t seen before. The uncertainty and fear they experience feel like a natural progression for two people figuring out how to make their first love last, especially when those around them question whether it can.
Yet despite these harder moments, Heartstopper Forever celebrates the beauty of growing up and the adventures that come with it. While it can often feel like one of the hardest things in the world at the time, the film highlights the joy, freedom and opportunities that come with moving into the next chapter of life, which feels especially meaningful for the audiences who have grown alongside these characters.
Although the series debuted only 4 years ago, it feels as though we’ve all been on this journey with the characters. Which feels even more special considering the webcomic began almost a decade ago in 2016, allowing fans to experience these characters’ growth alongside them – with the cast growing up alongside the story too.
‘Hearstopper Forever’ – Final Thoughts
It’s not perfect, but Heartstopper has never been about perfection. Instead, the film captures the pure comfort and queer joy that has made the series so beloved, delivering a bittersweet goodbye to the characters who have been on our screens for the last four years.
Heartstopper Forever is now streaming on Netflix.
