The tender and heartfelt Netflix series Heartstopper, adapted from Alice Oseman’s graphic novels, captures the highs and lows of teenage life. Oseman, who has penned young adult titles such as Solitaire, Loveless, Radio Silence, and I Was Born for This, crafts a narrative that begins in Solitaire and finds expanded depth in its screen version. At the core of the series are Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie (Joe Locke), two teens from Truham Grammar School for Boys thrust into the same class, with Charlie being out and reserved, opposing Nick’s existence as a well-liked rugby athlete.
Charlie’s adoration for Nick is obvious, as he praises Nick’s kindness, distinguishing him from his fellow rugby players. Despite Charlie’s friend Tao (William Gao) being wary of this budding friendship, he ultimately stands by Charlie, confronting bullies where Charlie would rather keep the peace. On the flip side, across from Truham, Elle (Yasmin Finney), a friend of Tao and Charlie, is adapting to life at Higgs Girls’ School, where she befriends a newly out couple, Tara (Corinna Brown) and Darcy (Kizzy Edgell), much to the curiosity and gossip of the school populace.
Heartstopper deftly deals with the complexities of personal struggles while remaining a beacon of hope and celebration for queer youth, highlighted by the natural and playful interactions between the characters. These heartfelt lines from the first season exemplify the series’ spirit.
- Charlie: Is there a way to stop fancying someone? Like, if they’re definitely straight?
Mr Ajayi: The eternal conundrum! Didn’t you have a beau?
Charlie: Not anymore. He was… not great. There’s someone else now.
Mr Ajayi: Teenage years are rough, aren’t they? - Tao: Duty calls as your solo straight buddy to remind you people can actually be straight. Sad but true.
Isaac: We don’t really know if Tara likes Nick for sure though.
Tao: Isaac, you were warned about supporting Charlie’s hopeless crushes on straight blokes.
Isaac: Yet here I am, still rooting for love! - Tao: Let’s make a pact, okay? No matter what life throws at us, we prioritize our bond. Bowling nights, scary doc marathons, Oscar live-watching, and heart-to-hearts about everything – all sacred.
- Charlie: Are you crushing on someone right now?
Nick: Maybe, maybe not.
Charlie: What’s she like then?
Nick: Jumping to conclusions, are we?
Charlie: So… not a girl, then? Would you, I dunno, kiss someone who isn’t a girl?
Nick: Can’t say.
Charlie: Kiss me, then?
Nick: Yeah, I would. - Darcy: So Tara kisses her girl in front of everyone and people still ask if she’s with a guy she pecked once when we were kids?
Imogen: That’s her girl?
Darcy: Right in front of you – that’s who. - Imogen: It’s not about being anti-gay, I stand with you all.
Tara: Is that so?
Darcy: Such dedication. Thank you. - Tao: You think Harry Greene is giving Charlie trouble?
Elle: Or they could be mates?
Tao: That’s even scarier. Imagine Charlie bringing the whole rugby squad over for movie night –Avengers or something.
Elle: Is the horror scenario for you watching a movie you detest with folk you’re not fond of? - Nick: Agreed to date this girl…
Sarah Nelson: You keen on her then?
Nick: Not exactly… it’s just, her dog died recently.
Sarah: I’m lost, please explain. - Tao: And if Nick’s even a tiny bit unkind—
Charlie: You’ll execute him, yeah, got it.
Tao: My plan was a severe DM, but sure, execution works. - Nick: Do you know that feeling when you’re just going along with things? Because changing or surprising others feels too risky? Like who you really are is hibernating deep down. That’s me lately.
- Tara: Things are different now.
Darcy: Since coming out?
Tara: Yeah. I thought it’d be easier. But people treat me like I’m a whole new person… I’m not the poster child for being a vocal lesbian. I struggled to even utter the word when we first got together.
Darcy: You think I have all the answers? I’m as clueless as everyone else.
Tara: I just want to lead a normal life.
Darcy: We’ll make it happen. - Mr Ajayi: Never let anyone erase you, Charlie.
- Charlie: Your thoughts on my actions are irrelevant.
Ben: Shall I expose what’s going on between you and Nick?
Charlie: And should I spread word about our past? Thought as much. Unlike you, I have decency. Sort your own sexuality out, but stop dragging me down. Just back off. Seriously, just back off. - Nick: You’re my partner! I’m yours! We are a couple!
- Nick: He’s my partner. Charlie’s with me. I’m into both girls and guys. Charlie and I, we’re an item. Just wanted to come out and say it.