Heartstopper Reviews Are Mixed As Critics Lament One Issue In Film

Critics are a little split over the final chapter in the Heartstopper story, which debuted on Friday morning.

Rather than a fourth season of the popular teen drama, Heartstopper Forever takes the form of a feature-length film, marking one last outing for Kit Connor and Joe Locke as boyfriends Nick and Charlie.

While critics are pretty much in agreement that those who’ve been loyal followers of Heartstopper’s first three seasons will find the movie to be a satisfying end, most have lamented that its focus on Nick and Charlie’s relationship means the wider cast has been sidelined.

Meanwhile, there’s some contention over whether or not the film allows its characters to mature convincingly, with some suggesting that the “wholesome” nature of the central couple’s relationship holds Heartstopper Forever back.

Here’s a selection of what critics have had to say about Heartstopper Forever so far…

“Heartstopper’s 90-minute finale of nice kids being (mostly) nice to each other could have had me reaching for my phone. Instead, I settled back like a proud parent to enjoy the cast navigate their final year of school and their evolving relationships […] LGBTQ+ children and their families need a little hope and happiness right now. Heartstopper delivers that with pretty, pastel bows on.”

“From the off, [author Alice Oseman] signposts that Charlie and Nick are in a different stage of life to when we last saw them […] Up until now, the show has rarely interrogated the stability of their romance, but these confrontations are also a showcase of how Locke and Connor have matured as performers […] Alas, the shorter length versus a full eight-episode season means that there are fewer scenes to share out among Heartstopper’s swelling ensemble.”

“Heartstopper Forever is a profoundly romantic, emotionally enlightened and essential viewing experience for anyone who has wept over the sweet simplicity of Nick and Charlie’s story before.”

“This last chapter is very much the story of Charlie and Nick […] There are a few joyous moments, of course, but it isn’t focused on falling in love or trying to navigate sex and intimacy for the first time. It’s about the work required to maintain a connection across different chapters of life.”

“As a stand-alone film, yes, Hearstopper Forever is far from perfect. But for those who’ve followed Nick and Charlie’s journey these past few years, the movie feels like a fitting farewell to the characters we’ve grown to know and love.”

“Part of Nick and Charlie’s glow comes from the extended cast that Heartstopper Forever mainly ignores. The film isn’t without its aww-inspiring moments, but the odd pacing, relentless Easter eggs and montages often leave it feeling like its own fan cam edit as it attempts to put the neatest possible bow on the couple’s puppy love. Nick and Charlie are supposed to be all grown up, but Heartstopper Forever treats them with kid gloves.”

“Fans were relieved that this beloved show would at least be getting a proper farewell. Sadly, it’s a pretty patchy one […] For long stretches, Heartstopper’s supporting characters barely get a look-in. […] Thankfully, Heartstopper‘s prevailing sweetness carries it to the finish.”

“All the focus on them does mean that Heartstopper Forever is a little too busy to focus on Charlie and Nick’s pals. It’s a drawback from season three, because those eight episodes meaningfully crafted their lovely queer community, emphasising the value of having people to lean on at a young age, especially if the rest of the world doesn’t understand who they are just yet […] Yet none of this detracts from Heartstopper Forever being a satisfying conclusion to this story, of two boys whose illuminating journey of self-discovery feels rare and valuable on screen, even if there’s a certain cringe factor to it.”

“If CBeebies made queer teen drama, it might be something like this. Heartstopper Forever arrives with the gentle air of an especially placid episode of Hey Duggee, but mixed with a break-up, a handful of sex scenes and a vigorous plea for trans rights.”

Heartstopper Forever is now streaming on Netflix. Read HuffPost UK’s review of the film in full here.