When she was 19, Alice Oseman secured a publishing deal for her debut novel Solitaire. Among the book’s supporting characters were two teenagers, Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson. What started off as an awkward crush blossomed into a relationship that won the hearts of fans through the Heartstopper graphic novel series. This later became a successful Netflix series starring Joe Locke and Kit Connor. Now, ten years after Heartstopper first appeared on the Tapas webtoon site, the final instalment of the series is getting the feature-length treatment in Heartstopper Forever.
Set shortly after the events of series three, the film sees Charlie (Locke) venturing into sixth form while Nick (Connor) is preparing to go to university. But as their friend group is slowly starting to follow different paths, the couple wonder whether they can survive without each other.
The choice to move a show from an episodic form to a feature-length format is not unheard of (this was the way of the 2026 release of The Mandalorian and Grogu). However, Heartstopper Forever covers a lot of ground. Not only is it based on a full-length feature graphic novel, but it also includes narrative elements of past novels and the 2015 Nick and Charlie novella. But with so many key lines and scenes to accommodate, as well as various supporting characters, squeezing them all into a nearly two-hour runtime causes certain emotional beats to lose their punch and the pacing to falter before briskly moving on.
However, Forever feels like a natural continuation of the Netflix show. Amid small nods that bridge the series to the film, there is a maturity in Oseman’s screenplay that doesn’t shy away from the pressures of leaving secondary school and venturing into a big, unfamiliar world. These pressures inevitably cause notable conflicts among the characters, including Elle (Yasmin Finney)’s decision to study abroad, affecting her relationship with boyfriend Tao (William Gao). Nonetheless, the characters’ uncertain futures create a relatable sense of dread and anxiety, but after several series of them navigating issues regarding their identities and sexualities, the film enriches the culmination of their journeys, as well as the heartwarming camaraderie among their friend group.
At the heart of Heartstopper Forever is Nick and Charlie’s love story. As the Netflix series followed them from first love and sexual awakening to mental health and physical intimacy, the film sees them in a new chapter. This stems from the prospect – and fears – of a long-distance relationship, which emotionally tests them at every turn. Thanks to Locke and Connor’s beautiful performances, watching the characters navigate these challenges is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. One key example is a conservatory scene that sees Nick and Charlie struggle to communicate — a trait that has made their relationship so great. In contrast, an almost-dialogue-free sequence between them at the beach delivers an irresistible fuzziness. Even amid the hard times, it is hard to deny the charm of Nick and Charlie’s romance.
All the while, Oseman and director Wash Westmoreland take the opportunity to highlight the LGBTQ+ community. A powerfully poignant plea from Elle highlights her fears for her and her fellow trans people. Former cool girl Imogen (Rhea Norwood) is embracing her newfound sexuality. There are even scenes in gay clubs and a local Pride parade. Along with its buoyant soundtrack, the film reiterates the joy of love and identity – in all its various forms.
It feels rushed at times, but Heartstopper Forever is a poignant and faithful finale to the Netflix series that will warm the hearts of fans of Oseman’s works and, more specifically, her timeless characters.
Heartstopper Forever is available on Netflix from 17 July.
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Director: Wash Westmoreland, Alice Oseman (screenwriter)
Stars: Joe Locke, Kit Connor, Yasmin Finney, William Gao, Kizzy Edgell, Corinna Brown, Tobie Donovan, Rhea Norwood, Jenny Waiser, Leila Khan, Anna Maxwell-Martin, Eddie Marsan, Derek Jacobi
Runtime: 114 minutes
Country: UK
