REVIEW: HEARTSTOPPER

Heartstopper, based on the best selling graphic novels created by Alice Oseman. The coming of age teen drama ran for three seasons on Netflix and is set to conclude with Heartstopper Forever later this month. The show has launched both it's leads Joe Locke and Kit Connor to stardom alongside tackling a wide array of subjects such as first crushes, teenage bullying, homophobias, eating disorders, asexuality and a whole lot more in a nuanced approach that has allowed young and old audiences to see queer love be celebrated onscreen rather than the usual tragedy. Oseman has created a vibrant ands accepting world that doesn't shy away from the realities of the world and uses them carefully by tackling them in a way that audiences are able to understand these far better than they had before..

The brilliance off Heartstopper comes from the impeccable work of everyone who works behind the scenes coming down from thel more natural to the story being told onscreen. two of these instances bering the characters of Imogen and Issac who aren't in the original matieral, but each bring their own directors to the writing to the casting to those on camera and sound. everyone plays a part in creating this uniquely beautiful show. Alice Oseman brings her story to life through her scripts for the show and finds ways to adapt the comics to screen by bringing in nerw characters and story angles that feeel more natural to the story being told onscreen. two of these instances bering the characters of Imogen and Issac who aren't in the original material, but each bring their own uniqueness to the story and allow for new avenues to go down. what is clear is Oseman's vision to bring this show to life and it is evident that working partnership between her, executive producer Patrick Walters, and directors Euros Lyn and Andy Newbery who expertly lead this ensemble show and it is their work that should be celebrated alongside the cast in how successful show has become and how import it is to the fans. Everyone who works on the show has a real care for the story that they are telling onscreen and what is clear is that the chemistry between the cast is another key factor in why this show became the success that it is. The greatest strength the show had was casting actors who actually looked young and made the show feel as authentically real as possible as well as casting unknown actors to was one of the best decisions the show could have made.

Joe Locke and Kit Connor lead an exceptional cast of characters that includes William Gao, Yasmin Finney, Tobie Donovan, Sebastian Croft, Corina Brown, Kizzy Edgall, Cormac Hyde-McCorrin, Rhea Norwood, and Bradley Richards just to name a few who each bring their own charm and warmth to the roles that they portrayal and each have their own arcs that feel just as nuanced and three dimensional that leaves you wanting more from each of these characters and that just makes them even more interesting. There also joined by the likes of Olivia Colman, Jonathan Bailey, and Hayley Atwell along the way that bring their excellence and talent to bounce of these younger characters. the dynamic and chemistry of these actors really makes you feel as though Truham and Higgs are actual schools and all the small Britishisms just add a lot of charm especially to UK viewers.

Joe Locke arguably stands out as one of the breakout stars of the show in his role of Year 10 student Charlie Spring. After winning the role through open auditions, Locke has proven what a talented young actor he is and why he is certainly one to look out for. Locke powerfully portrayals the realities of having an eating disorder and it is handled with so much care and nuasnce which just makes his portrayal all the more compelling especially in the third season and really allows to focus on the Spring family and how each of them come to terms with what he is going through. It is so refreshing to see the struggles of a mother and son relationship being showcased on screen and it further adds to the tension that Charlie and his mum have had across the shows and ultimately allows Locke to really highlight his acting ability throughout the third season and further allows him to shine. The relationship that Charlie and Tori habve really shines through season three and that is done to the chemistry between both Locke and Walser. that bond really strengthens with her being his protective big sister and him telling her to admit she likes Michael. Locke's electric chemistry with Connor is also a standout as their connection geels incredibly real. When they are fighting, the fight feels real. it feels like you are intruding on them and that highlights what a talent the two young actors are and both have bright futures ahead of them.

In summary, it is clear to see that Heartstopper has had an impact on a wide arrary of audiences whether young or old, but what is universally foundf is that these show provides hope that the world can become accepting and still feel as daunting to young people and that is why this show means so much to people as they can see themselves within different characters and that is the beauty of the world that Alice Oseman has created and it's going to be exciting yet sad to see how the show concludes.

All 3 seasons of Heartstopper are available to stream on Netflix whilst Heartstopper Forever streams July 17th