While Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey dominated the box office this past weekend, another major release quietly stole hearts: Heartstopper Forever, the feature-length finale of Netflix's beloved teen romance series. And if you're wondering whether it lives up to the hype, the answer is a resounding yes.
The film, which wraps up the story of Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie (Joe Locke), has earned a stellar 93% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences not far behind at 92%. That's a near-perfect sendoff for a show that has been praised for its tender, boundary-breaking portrayal of queer youth.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
In Heartstopper Forever, Nick and Charlie face the daunting reality that their futures might not include each other. The film also gives satisfying conclusions to other beloved characters, played by William Gao, Yasmin Finney, Corinna Brown, and more. Directed by Wash Westmoreland (Still Alice) and written by series creator Alice Oseman, the movie delivers the same warmth and emotional depth that made the show a phenomenon.
Critics have been effusive in their praise. ScreenRant's Josh Bate highlighted "the chemistry between Locke and Connor," while New York Times' Chris Azzopardi noted the film builds "on the series' radical promise: care without end." Collider's own Victoria Luxford gave it a 7/10, writing, "While it does feel rushed at times, Heartstopper Forever ensures that the Netflix series concludes in the style it is known and loved for." She added, "Glossy, dramatic, but always big-hearted, it is the kind of teen drama that offers an idealized glimpse of the future for queer youth at a time when that is sorely needed."
For fans who have followed Nick and Charlie's journey from the start, this finale is a tear-jerking, heartwarming conclusion that stays true to the series' core message: love, in all its forms, is worth fighting for.
If you're looking for more streaming recommendations, check out Henry Cavill and Kevin Hart's upcoming Netflix spy comedy or the streaming sensation Agent Kim Reactivated.
Heartstopper Forever is now streaming on Netflix.
