“Love can’t cure mental illness.”
These were the words that set the scene for season three of ‘Heartstopper,’ which premiered on Netflix on October 3. The comic book adaptation follows teenagers Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) as they navigate their newfound relationship and the many adventures that come with it. Known for its lightheartedness and cheese, the ‘Heartstopper’ series took on a much more serious tone with its latest installment.
In season three, the main cast of characters has to endure the same experiences your average teen would: applying to universities, partying, exams, romance etc. However, tasks like these seem to be taking an especially heavy toll on Charlie, who is struggling with his mental health. While this is a topic that has been touched on before in the show, it is to a much deeper extent than previously. Now, the viewer gets a much clearer picture of just how intensely Charlie is grappling with day-to-day life.
Charlie is finding it hard to eat regularly, which contributes to him feeling fatigued and irritable. In Heartstopper, negative emotions are often intensified by drawings of dark colors and fog that serve as vignette for the scene. This gives the viewer the illusion that they’re experiencing tunnel vision, which results in feeling as though you are also going through the same stress the characters are. Combining this with the gravity of the scenes this season, it makes for a captivating watch. The depiction of Charlie’s thoughts and behaviors are raw as there is no romanticism of what he has to go through.
The show also touches on how an individual’s mental health issues can affect those around them as well, which was refreshing to see. Not only are audiences able to see Charlie’s perspective, but Nick’s is explored as well. Episode 4, titled “Journey,” splits the episode in half between Nick’s point of view and Charlie’s. Both characters get to share their side of the story of what happens over the course of a few months, and it makes for a vulnerable and intimate watch. The episode also skillfully features a montage of footage filmed on the camera of one of the characters, making the viewer feel as if they themselves are a part of the friend group and that this story is now personal to them as well.
Another aspect of the show as a whole that often draws audiences in is its iconic soundtrack. With its trademark indie pop and rock tunes, the ‘Heartstopper’ music this season was on par with those from previous ones. The most notable needle-drop from the most recent addition of Heartstopper is definitely “Black Friday” by Tom Odell. “Black Friday” perfectly encapsulates the emotions of the scene and enhances the connection between audiences and the story due to it being a familiar song. The choice felt very intentional compared to other teen dramas that often slip in “trendy” songs purely to briefly gain the audience’s attention.
An additional sense of familiarity that can be felt while watching ‘Heartstopper’ comes from its similarity to the source material. Scenes from the show look like they were ripped straight from the comic book, which was satisfying to see as someone who has read them. It truly feels as though all the creators involved are doing the original story justice.
Although ‘Heartstopper’ has always portrayed Nick and Charlie as having the “ideal” relationship, this season shed light on some of its flaws. Specifically, it highlights the codependent nature of their feelings for each other. This is important because it is realistic for teenagers and emphasizes the fact that no relationship will be perfect. On top of this, season three delved into the significance of non-romantic relationships too. Through friendships and family members, ‘Heartstopper’ unpacks how essential these bonds are not just for one’s mental health, but social and emotional health as well.
While love can’t cure mental illness, ‘Heartstopper’ season three suggests that it’s not a bad place to start.
