Heartstopper Forever

After three seasons, Netflix’s Heartstopper comes to an end with a feature-length finale, Heartstopper Forever. With Nick (Kit Connor) now in his final year at Truham Grammar School, his attention is on university applications and the future. Meanwhile, Charlie (Joe Locke) has found his footing in school by running for head boy and becoming a voice for queer students. However, as stress begins to cause friction between the couple, they wonder if teenage romance really can last forever. Connor and Locke are as marvellous as ever as the characters navigate a difficult transition, with creator and writer Alice Oseman imbuing this outing with as much charm as fans have come to expect. However, the feature feels like it’s composed of multiple episodes stitched together rather than a cohesive film.

Locke and Connor remain the standout additions. Their chemistry is so strong that even those who’ve never seen an episode will be able to understand how much they’ve been through. Each actor gets plenty of time to shine, with their performances carrying the emotional weight of the script flawlessly. Although the writing can verge ever so slightly into teenage melodrama, the stars ensure that their reactions are fully grounded and relatable, which leads to moments that are both euphoric and heartbreaking. William Gao, Yasmin Finney and Tobie Donovan also return alongside other familiar faces. Although the supporting cast aren’t given much to do, each performer is as charming as ever.

Heartstopper has never shied away from confronting social issues head-on. Here, Oseman takes the opportunity to address trans rights and homophobia. The messages are strong and delivered with a sincerity that stops them from coming across as heavy-handed. The series has always been a celebration of identity, and this aspect has never felt more poignant.

Though the finale gets a lot right, it also suffers from pacing issues. There’s no tangible structure as the characters make their way through their last year together. Rather, the movie shifts from one scene to the next, navigating between various ideas and subplots that could have done with more development. The main catalyst for the narrative doesn’t even occur until the midway point.

Locke and Connor are spectacular in the final farewell to the characters that stole the hearts of fans. Although Heartstopper Forever is a fitting send-off to the series, it could have been better served as a mini-series.

Andrew Murray

Heartstopper Forever is released on Netflix on 17^th July 2026.

Watch the trailer for Heartstopper Forever here: