There may be a trend in telling queer stories where endings can be happy and characters can find a place for themselves. Schitt’s Creek may have kicked off this trend with by creating a small town where queer characters are accepted fully for who they are and can exist, thrive, and find happiness. This trend can be a breath of fresh air for those worn down by ultra-realistic, depressing, and disheartening queer stories.
Heartstopper is show that continues this trend of happy queer stories.
Based on the ongoing webcomic and graphic novel series of the same name, the show follows Year 10 Charlie, an openly gay grammar school student, and Year 11 Nick, the school’s rugby all-star, who get placed next to each other in class. Charlie starts to fall for Nick, setting into motion the main plot of the show. Each of their friend groups also play a role in the plot, which explores other relationships (closeted, queer, and straight) with a pace that comes across as natural and genuine. This makes the sweet, charming, and feel-good scenes of the show that much more real, unlike some fake, Hallmark Channel-style feel-good.
Some plot points will seem familiar to those well-versed with queer stories, like in queer young adult novels like The Geography Club and Social Intercourse or past queer films like Handsome Devil but what Heartstopper does differently is the consistent exuberant tone that makes a familiar story charming all over again. The show also doesn’t rush the storyline through its eight, brief, half-hour episodes.
What adds more depth to those feel-good moments are the realistic situations of dealing with bullying, discrimination, and even changes in friendship dynamics. The show doesn’t portray these situations to the extremes of Euphoria, but it doesn’t shy away from them, either. Past traumas and school caste systems are dealt with realistically here, and there is one supportive teacher and supportive family members throughout the show.
A soft, subtle touch is what makes this show stand out from other young adult queer stories. Small animations of a single flower, leaf, or blue bolt of electricity complement the scenes and moments, adding to the emotion of each scene. Tissues may be required to complete the series.
All episodes of the show are currently streaming in Netflix, and a second season has been ordered.
-Eric Beach
