Netflix has received immense praise for its latest British coming-of-age LGBTQ+ teen high-school romance series Heartstopper. Viewers cannot stop praising the show and have compared it to shows like It’s a Sin and Skins, awarding it a 100 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novel, the show is directed by Euros Lyn and stars Kit Connor and Joe Locke in lead roles as Nick and Charlie, two unlikely high schoolers whose friendship later culminates into an endearing love story.
Different from other coming-out tales, the show does not create a rainbow utopia and incorporates internalised homophobia within its narrative through subsequent bullying. However, the atmosphere is pretty uplifting, with the elders way more welcoming and understanding.
The students, too, showcase a marvellous and mature understanding of gender and sexuality. Based on Oseman’s first novel, the show’s brilliant representation of complex politics of identity, sexuality and self-discovery is enhanced by its diverse and inclusive casting.
It is a show that must be watched by all as it crushes inherent heteronormative ideas, dispels bi-erasure and begins a meaningful and aware conversation regarding queer love.
The rest of the cast includes Corrina Brown, Kizzy Edgell, William Gao and Yasmin Finney. Olivia Colman’s surprise cameo as Nick’s mother, who is accepting and understands bisexuality is indeed heartwarming. Read our review of Heartstopper here.
Stream the show on Netflix now.
