Heartstopper centers on the lives of queer teenagers, and above all, it exudes a cheerful atmosphere. The first season, which premiered on Netflix a little over a year ago, primarily focused on the blossoming love between Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor). As the second season debuts on Netflix, it expands its horizons, delving into the stories of the couple's friends while preserving the youthful spirit of first crushes, heartbreak, and the intricacies of growing up.
Nick and Charlie are inseparable, cherishing every moment together. The mere touch of their fingers or the gentle press of their knees creates a tangible electric connection. Just like in season one, these heartwarming moments are brought to life through carefully placed animated touches, paying homage to the source material and capable of melting even the most resistant hearts.
While many teen series and films have touched on "coming out" storylines, Heartstopper delves deeper into the subject, featuring several openly LGBTQ+ characters. Nick and Charlie have navigated the initial challenges of a new relationship, but Nick finds himself hesitant and unsure about coming out as bisexual to his entire high school.
Nick's mother (superbly portrayed by Olivia Colman) has wholeheartedly accepted his sexuality, but his masculine brother teases him. Acceptance is not his concern; it's the fear of being viewed differently in school hallways, losing friends, and facing potential disrespect from the rugby team that triggers Nick's anxiety. Charlie, who has been openly out for more than a year, can offer limited advice on the matter.
Charlie and Nick may spend a lot of time together, but they never neglect their friends, which include bookworm Isaac (Tobie Donovan), film buff Tao (William Gao), budding artist Elle (Yasmin Finney), and the musical couple Tara (Corinna Brown) and Darcy (Kizzy Edgell). Inclusivity is a theme as Imogen (Rhea Norwood), who feels isolated at school, is warmly welcomed into the group.
Writer Alice Oseman and director Euros Lyn skillfully navigate the intertwining storylines of these characters, ensuring that each one feels equally significant without the plot becoming tangled. The world of the show expands further when Elle applies to art college and befriends two new trans individuals, Naomi (Bel Priestley) and Felix (Ash Self).
Additionally, the show takes a beautiful step towards inclusivity as one of the lead characters explores and embraces their asexuality amid a backdrop of romance discussions. This development is gracefully woven into the narrative, making the show more diverse and authentic without feeling forced.
The slow-burning romance between long-time friends Tao and Elle consistently steals the spotlight. Elle is growing weary of the will-they-won't-they dynamic, which seems to be moving away from "friends to lovers" and more towards "he's just not that into you." Meanwhile, Tao struggles to express his feelings.
It's not all sunshine for Charlie and Nick - Charlie's mental struggles also feature this season, with him eventually being able to confide in Nick about his eating disorder. It's beautiful to watch Nick not pressure Charlie at all, but to be open, understanding, and encourage him to only talk about it when he is ready.
One of the season's highlights occurs when the group embarks on a school trip to Paris. European vacations promise fun and excitement, and witnessing these kids banter about rooming arrangements, racing up the Eiffel Tower, and sneaking out after dark is an absolute joy. Moreover, the sun-kissed streets of Paris perfectly complement Heartstopper's artistic and lively flair. The Paris trip provides a refreshing escape from the usual school setting, adding to the series' delightful appeal.
Heartstopper is a fun, bright show in a world that can seem so harsh to LGBTQ teens. Highly recommended.
