"Do you ever feel like you're only doing things because everyone else is? And you're scared to change?" - Nick Nelson
Title: Heartstopper
Genre: Drama, Romance, Coming of Age
Cast: Joe Locke, Kit Connor, Yasmin Finney, Sebastian Croft, William Gao, Corinna Brown, Olivia Coleman
Rating: ★★★★★
I have been significantly behind on my reading goal for this year (100% because A Little Life is one of the longest books I have read in my life, and I'm scared to cry) however, I now have all four of the Heartstopper books to add to my reading list. I have never read a graphic novel before. I am not including the ones you would buy at the scholastic book fair or Dork Diaries. If this is the type of content that graphic novels are giving, then sign me up for every graphic novel book club and subscription box there is.
Heartstopper is the first tv show that I have binged entirely, with no breaks, and not simultaneously doing homework in an eternity. If you know me, you know that I am not productive with my work unless I have something playing in the background. (I am rewatching Heartstopper while I write this mini-review.) I'm going to be honest with my readers and tell you I was lying in my bed, computer held up as close to my face as possible, clenching the edge of my screen, and GRINNING and GIGGLING at every scene. If you were in the room, you would have been able to hear a mix of the following:
"omg omg omg OMG"
"No he did NOT just do that!"
"Ew ben"
"Nick is literally SLAY"
"Charlie and Nick haven't kissed yet, and this episode is called KISS?!?!"
"oh my god"
"Nick really pulled a Cinderella Story on us."
If me, Izzy Betz, can put aside all of the things on my to-do list and stare at a screen for eight episodes straight does not prove to you that this show is different than all of the rest, I don't know what to tell you.
It is refreshing to finally watch a show about teenagers played by ACTUAL teenagers. I am 95% a hypocrite because some of my favorite coming-of-age stories have 25 to 30-year-old actors playing teenagers. I have not read the Heartstopper graphic novels yet, so I went into this show completely blind. From the drawings and character descriptions I have looked at on Tik Tok, the casting for this series is exquisite! The book reading community across the internet, me included, always has something to say about the casting of book to film/tv adaptations. It is rare that casting a project this close to the hearts of so many readers doesn't get some backlash. When a show does get it right, it deserves recognition.
Let's talk about Joe Locke (Charlie) and Kit Conner (Nick) for just a moment. Joe Locke has no other credits on IMDB, which is INSANE because he is a natural. Every moment was genuine, emotionally driven, and any other words you could use to describe a great actor. I will be sending a harsh email to Netflix if they do not renew the show because I want to watch Joe grow as an actor. I want to see him grow as Charlie. Kit Connor on the other hand, I have seen in two things: the more well-known Rocketman and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (a horrible name for a movie, much too long, but cute nonetheless). I immediately fell in love with his character Nick because of how charismatic, warm, and affectionate he is. I cannot wait to read the entire series now and imagine Joe and Kit as the little doodles by Alice Oseman. Joe and Kit are just the right amount of awkward teenage chemistry to make this series a hit.
Everyone should be able to understand the importance of the graphic novel Heartstopper to the LGBTQ+ community. More and more shows like Heartstopper should be produced and marketed just like any other show in the media. I have watched quite a few reaction videos and Tik Toks of fans wishing that a show like this had come out when they were in the closet and thought something was wrong with them just because they were gay or lesbian or transgender or queer. Heartstopper is a breathtaking show and should push other creators to begin producing content just like it.
Heartstopper is one of the best shows of 2022, hands down. Ever since I saw Book Tok going crazy when the first photo of Charlie and Nick was posted on Instagram, I knew that I would fall in love with them. It is a breath of fresh air compared to the other content Netflix has been spewing recently. Charlie, Nick, Elle, and Tao will no doubt bring a smile to your face and put butterflies in your heart. It is a powerful story of love, self-discovery, and the LGBTQ+ community. I can't wait to read the graphic novels and share my love for this show with everyone I can.
I took a hiatus from The Betz Breakdown, but I am back now. I think. Thank you all for sticking around and I will see you in the next review!
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