The Netflix has been showing to the world its premise to be an inclusive content company since its establishment with “Orange is the new black”, the first original Netflix series that revolves around Piper Chapman and her explosive romantic affair with Alex Vause and it became an acclaimed TV series. This time the giant streaming explores the LGBTQI+ culture and community in its new brand series “Heartstopper”, a contemporary British coming-of-age and rom-com based on on the webcomic and graphic novel of the same name created by Alice Oseman who is also in charge of the scripts for the series. Its surely the most adorable and important teen series Netflix has ever produced.
“Heartstopper” depicts the journey of Charlie, a low-self-esteem, shy and nerd adolescent from secondary school and his dilemma as a gay boy who recently came out against his will. Now he needs to figure out himself, and also deal with homophobia at school and Ben, the closeted boy who he has been hooking up. Suddenly, he realises himself falling in love with his new classmate who sits beside him, the straight popular schoolboy and member of the rugby team from school, Nick. Apparently, they would have nothing in common, but surprise!.. What starts looking like an unrequited crush soon blossoms into friendship and romance as Nick realises he’s bisexual and the couple navigate dating amid the complicated politics of high school hierarchies the boys get madly connected.
Charlie rely on his outcast Besties: Elle, a transgender girl who has left recently the boys’ school to studies at the girls’ school and has feelings for Tao, an Asian immigrant descendent and protective friend who does not notice Elle’ interest on him and, Isaac, an introvert bisexual guy. At girls’ school, Elle befriend of Tara and Darcy, girlfriends who come out to people at school and later join Charlie friend’s group.
I believe the way the plot is developed by creators aligned with amazing cast performances makes this project very unique and special in comparison to other movies and series that portrait LGBTQI+ community. The narrative features a good tone and pace and also highlight the representation of my community with dignity, contemplating all individuals from the community (gays, lesbians, bisexuals and Trans) through its characters. Oseman was very careful for not exploring typical clichés in movies and series while developing the narrative and plot twists, for instance, the way Nick deals with his feeling for Charlie bravely is innovative in terms dramatic resolution. It looks like she is saying to teenagers viewers who are frightening to come out: “Hey, there’s no harm to be yourself!” Also, how their parents cope marvellously well with their siblings’ sexualities and genders delivers an important message about parenthood stand for their kids.
I am not saying the series has not conflict, there is a lot of going on, like Charlie cope with the bullying and his mental health issues, or Nick figuring out his bisexuality, but the tone and paced of the series, plus amount of drama are balanced with positivity, blended with a modern, realistic, sensitive, honest and sweet ways.
By the way, the chemistry among the young actors are fantastic and they ring the bell and enticed me, especially between Kit Connor (Nicholas “Nick” Nelson) and Joe Locke (Charles “Charlie” Spring). I feel in love with this cute couple. I have to say how beautiful is the friendship and complicity between William Gao (Tao) and Yasmin Finney (Elle). I can’t wait to see how their personal plot will be developed in the second series.
The soundtrack is another great asset that match with the spirit of the story and its characters. A selection of songs used in the soundtrack for the series were released digitally on Spotify and also an official single by British artist Baby Queen, “Colours of You”, was released by Polydor Records in conjunction with the launch. Other popular songs featured in the series include “Girls” by Girl in Red, “Tired” by Beabadoobee and, “Moment in the sun” by Sunflowers Bean (which I love so much!).
Heartstopper is a heartwarming and fabulous ode to love, affection, respect, freedom, acceptance and strength of the LGBTQIA + community. It brings colour and positivity to this chaotic moment the world is going through with pandemic, Wars, poverty, politicians destroying democracies and human rights, damages to the planet and so on. It’s also a historical reparation for the LGBTQIA + community that has been discriminated in this world for centuries. It makes me to believe even we are passing through dark moments, we will overcome them to build up a better world to live. I believe that is the major message the series wants to tell, because the love wins!
