A Satisfying Finale For One Of Netflix’s Best Coming-Of-Age Stories

Since its debut in 2022, Netflix’s Heartstopper has slowly risen to become one of the most beloved coming-of-age stories that the streamer has to offer. The series, which is adapted from Alice Oseman’s acclaimed graphic novels, lasted for three seasons, and during that time, Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) and Charlie Spring’s (Joe Locke) school romance became something much more mature. Their relationship grew, as did Nick and Charlie as individuals.

Now, Netflix has chosen to conclude the Heartstopper story not with another season, but a feature film. In Heartstopper Forever, with graduation looming large over their final year of school, the duo is tasked with navigating the uncertainty that comes with growing up. They must figure out what their relationship looks like in the next stage of their lives, a daunting task for the two young men. Alongside Connor and Locke, the film also brings back a number of Heartstopper regulars, including William Gao, Yasmin Finney, Corinna Brown, Kizzy Edgell, Tobie Donovan, Jenny Walser, Rhea Norwood, and Leila Khan.

Heartstopper Forever Is A Satisfying Conclusion To The Story

As the next and final chapter, a lot of pressure is on Heartstopper Forever to finish the story in a way that satisfies longtime fans. The film largely succeeds in that regard. It stays consistent with the warmth and heart that, together, were defining factors in the series from the very beginning.

The film picks up where the show left off, and the continuation of Nick and Charlie’s relationship feels as natural as ever. Moreover, without spoilers, Heartstopper Forever’s conclusion delivers the heartfelt farewell that fans have wanted for years now. This is a testament not only to Joe Locke and Kit Connor, but to the entirety of the supporting cast as well, all of whom get their moment to shine.

However, as well as serving up a satisfying ending, Heartstopper Forever also has the task of standing on its own merit, and it has more mixed results in this area. On the one hand, the film does tell a cohesive story, and one that generally works from beginning to end. However, it’s hard to escape the feeling that not seeing the show that came before means the viewer loses the necessary context to become invested in these characters and their journeys. So much happened in the show across the three seasons that newcomers starting fresh with Heartstopper Forever may not feel the emotional weight.

Joe Locke especially delivers what may be the strongest performance of his career thus far, with a turn that feels both sincere and vulnerable.

Still, it follows the same general formula as the show, for better and for worse. It’s unlikely to win over many new viewers who have remained skeptical, either of the show or the teen romance genre as a whole. The film has the same sort of earnestness and sentimentality that has been there from the very first episode, which, again, is sure to please fans. At the same time, this may be off-putting to audiences unconvinced by this style of storytelling.

Moreover, the film also leans too heavily on coming-of-age tropes that have been seen and done before – and, in many cases, executed better. The dialogue is often overly sweet, and the emotional beats of the story feel too predictable, leaving certain moments feeling cheesy. Again, fans who have been with the show since the very beginning are likely to appreciate these qualities, but the film is unlikely to convert any new believers.

Yet, Heartstopper Forever, much like the show that came before it, succeeds because of the chemistry between Locke and Connor. Charlie and Nick’s relationship is just as gripping as it was in the series, and in the film, the stars are better than ever in these roles. Joe Locke, especially, delivers what may be the strongest performance of his career thus far, with a turn that feels both sincere and vulnerable. Ultimately, Heartstopper Forever gets the most important thing right: giving one of Netflix’s most beloved series the heartfelt ending it deserves.

Heartstopper Forever is available to stream on Netflix from Friday, July 17.