Heartstopper Season Three Early Review

For our review of the last season of Heartstopper, click here.

As the last season of Heartstopper pushed the supporting cast forward, alongside Charlie and Nick’s story, but it did not forget its mission. An endearing tale about love and self-discovery, the series continues to hit the right emotional notes and its story and characters remain so engaging thanks to the writing of Alice Oseman and the direction of Euros Lyn. This new season delivers much of the same, with Oseman returning as the season’s sole writer and Andy Newbery directing all the episodes, taking over from Lyn. Developing such a strong connection between viewers and the characters over the series’ first two seasons, it was only a matter of time until they started to grow up, making for an evolving dynamic. As Charlie and Nick’s, and their circle of friends’, time in high school (or secondary school) was mostly coming to an end, they were soon faced with the many hardships of growing up and starting to navigate the path for the rest of their lives. What proved to be a challenge for all those involved, this season focused on the final stretch for many of the characters, as they spent their fleeting time together before they have to make some tough decisions about their future. Not without drama, watching the characters grow up before our very eyes as they maneuver a pivotal period in their lives was compelling to watch because of that earned emotional connection.

The core five of Charlie, Nick, Elle, Tao, and Isaac were looking to make the most out of their last summer together but as most were so caught up in their own relationships, their own dynamic was a little different. Charlie and Nick, as well as Elle and Tao, having been together for a long time, thought about taking their relationships to the next level. The contrast between each relationship could not be more clear. While Elle and Tao (mostly the latter), lived out their relationship in the open and left Isaac often feeling like a third wheel, Charlie and Nick’s relationship became more complicated as Nick’s growing concern for Charlie took over. However, Nick was not the only one as Charlie’s sister Tori (Jenny Walser) was also concerned about her brother. Always there with a watchful eye and a drink in hand, she cared about him and it was nice to see Tori and her relationship with her brother given more screen time this season. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, something wasn’t quite right with him as he seemed to be drifting away from everyone. Last season foreshadowed deeper issues with Charlie and here, they presented themselves as a roadblock towards a path forward with Nick. What would be a testing time for the three of them, trying to support Charlie was like walking a tightrope. Doing whatever they could to help, the first step in his recovery had to be his.

Charlie’s tumultuous journey, taking some time away to tend to his fragile mental health and the impact it had on Nick, who felt his absence the most, was easily the highlight of the season. Spending so much time with Charlie’s feelings, seeing a more vulnerable side of Nick this season was truly powerful to watch, demonstrating what he and Charlie’s relationship meant to one another. Coming out some much needed therapy, Charlie’s recovery would continue to be a work in progress that was not going to be easy, taking the lessons he learned from his therapist, moving forward. As that cloud began to dissipate, Charlie and Nick were ready to take their relationship to another level though first, they needed to figure out what that meant. Meanwhile, Elle and Tao found themselves doing much of the same in spite of the different circumstances behind they faced with their relationship. As the following summer came rolling in, Nick, Elle, Tara (Corinna Brown), and Imogen (Rhea Norwood) started to look at universities for the fall (Charlie will be doing so the next year). However, tempted by what they had to offer, Nick was feeling torn about leaving Charlie behind. Defined by his relationship with Charlie, he couldn’t wrap his mind around the idea of life without him. They needed each other but putting others’ needs before his own for so long, maybe he needed to put himself first. Nick’s final decision and the outcome on will have to wait until next season.

While the writing and direction, along with the soundtrack, nicely set the stage, it is the performance from its tried and tested cast that continue to carry the series. Once again, the best part of this latest season of Heartstopper, Locke and Connor keep leading the way with spectacular performances as Charlie and Nick. Pushing them and their characters even further on an emotional level, it was a delight to see even more of their range on display. Digging deeper within themselves to deliver during many of the season’s key moments, they have never been better. The strong chemistry of Finney and Gao as Elle and Tao made for a compelling way to break up the main storyline but ultimately, it was Charlie and Nick’s show perhaps more than it has ever been. Another bright spot was Walser as Tori. A subtle scene-stealer from the beginning of the series, she was given a bigger role this season which allotted her some more humanity as it focused on her connection with her brother. In the midst of everything else going on, she also experienced some suffering and seeing that side of her was very moving. Her chemistry with Locke solidifies what was a fun brother-sister relationship. Darragh Hand shines as well as Tori’s friend/boyfriend Michael, a character who will be familiar to fans of the source material. Eddie Marsan, Hayley Atwell, and Jonathan Bailey also appear.

At the end of the day, the latest season of Heartstopper is another winner that puts Charlie and Nick front and center as the series starts to grow up and move forward.

still courtesy of Netflix

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.