Heartstopper: Season 1
Based on: webcomic & graphic novel of same name by Alice Oseman
Written for Netflix by: Alice Oseman
Directed by: Euros Lyn
Something I always ask for in any drama series, especially rom-coms, is for miscommunication not to be the foundational conflict. For that, and many other things, this show was perfect.
Communication created tension in one single episode and was almost immediately resolved (with more communication). That made me so happy. Otherwise, this show was a pure, wholesome little piece about two people falling in love. It didn't need drama, extra conflict, weird circumstances, or relational twists and turns to get in the way. It was just two people falling in love--unexpectedly--and that subversion of expectation was all the show needed to be great.
Honestly, I might make this more of a shorter, succinct post because there's not so much use drawing it out. The show shines in its succinct ability to tell a simple, powerful, beautiful love story without bringing in extra complications. So why should my review do any more than that?
I'll note the remarkable journey Nick goes through in discovering his reciprocated feelings for Charlie because that's what makes the journey so great. His openness to learning more about himself and the accepting attitude of most everyone around him makes this process so special. And Charlie going from respecting Nick by not having any expectations to realizing there might be something there-- it's incredibly heartwarming and sweet.
That's really all this show was--or this first season, now that it's been renewed--and that's all it needed to be.
One of my favorite scenes was about mid-season when Nick and Charlie are at a party together and Nick is beginning to realize he might have feelings for Charlie, too. They're sitting alone together and Charlie is seeing this shift in Nick. He asks him, "Do you think you might date someone who's... not a girl?" Nick stares back and says "....maybe." Then Charlie says "Do you think you might date.... me?" Nick continues staring blankly and again goes "....maybe."
The moment is filled with charged, delicate love on both sides, and a willingness and interest to explore and discover on both sides. Nick doesn't know or understand what he's comfortable with, but he wants to learn, and he trusts Charlie. Similarly, Charlie doesn't know what Nick is comfortable but he wants to hope for more. It's a beautiful moment of intimate trust and discovery-- one that leads to an amazing spark of love in both of them. It's not something that I'll experience myself with my own convictions, but it was amazing to watch it depicted on screen and to experience it vicariously! That's part of what made this show so special for me.
Seasons 2 and 3 have been greenlit, but I'm not sure if they'll be able to hold the same charm and meaning as this first one did for me. We'll have to see!
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