Heartstopper season three

The much-anticipated third instalment of the Netflix hit series Heartstopper is finally here and it comes with more than just heat, love and feel-good moments. This season’s journey can be summarised by a line spoken right in the first episode: “When someone you love is in trouble, you’d do anything to help them.” On top of romantic escapades, identity exploration and typical teen anxiety, this recent release is a culmination of several different plotlines and themes covered in the first two seasons, mainly in regards to Charlie’s mental health and his unhealthy relationship with food. Still, there’s a certain warmth and charm unique to Heartstopper that lingers throughout these episodes, grounding the series and preventing it from becoming too self-indulgent.

Heartstopper handles Charlie’s mental health struggles gradually and organically, with hints scattered throughout the first two seasons. However, there’s something very different to its approach this time around, as though the show wants to face this daunting and weighty topic head-on. There’s some brilliant writing and acting on the subject, with specific scenes standing out because of their quiet yet firm understanding of Charlie’s journey. However, the fast pacing of the season results in the writing becoming heavily reliant on exposition and montages. While this isn’t inherently a bad thing, it’s a shame that the slow build-up from the previous instalments is undermined by this season’s efforts to bulldoze through the storyline – with Charlie’s rapid deterioration and recovery efforts all covered in just a few episodes. Still, the writing makes a point of reminding viewers that mental health isn’t something so easily fixed and the after-effects reverberate throughout the rest of the season.

An extremely enjoyable aspect of the series is the various character dynamics on display, and with this season in particular, the blossoming friendship between Nick and Tori. Their bond over their love for Charlie is a heartwarming sight to see, and Tori taking on a more significant role this season, in general, is a wonderful gift to fans who enjoy her snarky and deadpan personality. The Spring family as a whole, and their struggle to navigate and confront Charlie’s situation, are the highlight of this season. Another, in terms of characters, is Isaac and his exploration of being asexual and aromantic; his trying to come to terms with his identity while also being surrounded by a group of friends full of couples is one of the more interesting arcs to follow.

In typical Heartstopper fashion, the show keeps everything light and upbeat without diminishing the very important themes it tries to tackle. It does this through playful editing that recalls its graphic novel origins, beautiful cinematography – fluid camera movement and picturesque scenery for the more romantic sequences – and that all-too-familiar indie soundtrack, full of songs that capture perfectly the atmosphere of every scene on display. This wonderful mix of visuals and audio is the backbone of Heartstopper, allowing it to explore darker and deeper subjects while still maintaining that signature warmth and charm. More than just a teen love story, Heartstopper is a coming-of-age marvel that always leaves the audience breathless for more.

Mae Trumata

Heartstopper season three is released on Netflix on 3^rd October 2024.

Watch the trailer for Heartstopper season three here: