True to its title, Heartstopper Forever delivers the kind of swoon-worthy and gorgeously wholesome conclusion that feels right for all the characters. From the very beginning, the show’s inclusivity has felt like the warmest hug on TV, and that much is still true with the movie, even when our hearts are a little fractured during its middle. Yet, the ending marks a new beginning with the kind of narrative that can always be here for people who’ll need a reminder of just how far love can take someone.
Part of what’s always made Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper universe so special is that it introduced us to new actors who’d later go on to have incredible careers we’d be happy to follow. And watching them all bring their respective characters to life while continuously giving so much depth to the roles has been a gift.
While Joe Locke and Kit Connor have always been exemplary, it’s also the work we’ve gotten from Yasmin Finney that’s been so unforgettable. This is especially true in Heartstopper Forever as Elle’s shining moment at a Pride parade is so moving and thoughtfully inspiring that I know people will feel the instant hope it evokes. And hope is undoubtedly a tremendous part of the show—the very thing we’re always left with at the end of every season, or in this case, after the credits roll one last time.
In addition, it’s impossible not to miss Olivia Colman as Nick’s mom Sarah, but Anna Maxwell Martin does a lovely job of bringing to life the tenderness and warmth the character’s always been known for. In the same way that we need a conversation between Charlie and his sister Tori, we needed one with Nick and his mom. The film delivers both, bringing to life the warmth that reminds us of how necessary acceptance is and why it’s been such a beautiful part of the show. The love these characters are surrounded by is part of their journey, standing as an example of how things should be.
The story has always been a love letter to the people who hold you as you are, and that’s exactly what we get in Heartstopper Forever. The love and care these characters have for one another never once fumbles, and everything that they give each other, from the space to the hugs, holds tremendous depth in delivering something that’s truly unlike anything else on TV. The softness in Heartstopper is one of its greatest strengths, and how it’s ceaselessly proven the significance of vulnerability is no small feat. The characters have always felt their emotions, and it’s been so beautiful to see their growth from the first season to where they are today.
Ultimately, Heartstopper Forever delivers a remarkably precious conclusion. It leaves us with the comforting reassurance that no matter what comes next, these characters will continue to find their joy together. They’ll be loved through everything, and their story can serve as a soothing blanket for anyone who needs to be reminded of hope. Bright, achingly complex, and incredibly nuanced, it’s a love letter to found families in the best way, and the sweetest farewell that’ll hold up for years to come.
Heartstopper Forever is now streaming on Netflix.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Netflix