'Heartstopper Forever' review: a chaotic goodbye to Netflix's wholesome teens

In a British high school where being gay or bisexual is just one of many obstacles to navigate, the blossoming romance between Nick and Charlie had captured the hearts of audiences worldwide since 2022. The success of Heartstopper, a teen drama that never set out to be hip and edgy, was genuinely heartwarming. As a celebration of LGBTQ+ representation, it offered a comforting vision of British high school life where being gay or bisexual was not insurmountable. The best part? This winsome drama never forgot to include its supporting characters, who learned about their own sexual and gender identities along the way.

As the show's writer-creator, Alice Oseman, initially planned for a fourth season, it was announced in April 2025 that Heartstopper would instead conclude with a feature-length film, Heartstopper: Forever. Fans were relieved that this beloved show would at least be getting a proper farewell. But as a film, Heartstopper: Forever feels diluted and curiously driftless. For much of its two-hour runtime, it's overly focused on Charlie and Nick's relationship difficulties, which are exacerbated as university beckons for one of them. The show's second couple, Tao and Elle, only enjoy a glimmer of closure in the epilogue. Earlier in the film, Elle reminds Charlie about the parlous state of trans rights in 2026, but this well-intentioned moment feels shoehorned in, Elle has to tell us about the difficulties she faces as a young trans woman because this film doesn't find a way to naturally incorporate it.

By contrast to the show's episodic format, which suited its charm of intimacy, Heartstopper: Forever feels like a patchy and disjointed attempt to bring closure to its beloved characters. The supporting characters barely get a look-in for long stretches, and the sex scenes are much less squeamish than before. While it's understandable that the film would want to delve deeper into Charlie and Nick's relationship, it's a shame that the supporting characters are given the short end of the stick. The film's failure to find a natural way to incorporate Elle's reminder about trans rights is a symptom of a larger problem: Heartstopper: Forever feels like a chaotic goodbye to Netflix's wholesome teens.

Despite its shortcomings, Heartstopper: Forever is still a film that will leave fans of the show feeling mixed emotions. On one hand, it's a relief that the show's beloved characters are getting a proper farewell, even if it's not the most satisfying one. On the other hand, the film's failure to live up to the show's standards is a disappointment. As a film, Heartstopper: Forever is a reminder that sometimes, it's better to leave well enough alone and not try to force a narrative to fit a new format.

As I watched the film, I couldn't help but think about the impact that Heartstopper had on its audience. The show's celebration of LGBTQ+ representation was a breath of fresh air in a world where representation still feels scarce. And while Heartstopper: Forever may not be the most satisfying conclusion to the show, it's clear that the show's legacy will live on. As a writer, I'm reminded that sometimes, it's okay to take risks and try new things, but it's also important to stay true to the spirit of the original work. In the case of Heartstopper, it's clear that the show's heart will always be its greatest strength, even if its conclusion is a chaotic and disjointed one.

I predict that the impact of Heartstopper will be felt for years to come, and it's likely that we'll see more shows and films that celebrate LGBTQ+ representation in the same way. As a culture reporter, I'm excited to see what the future holds for the creator economy and the stories that it tells.