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Scroll down for Recommendations based on it.
Soundtrack: 8/10
- It’s a classic coming of age soundtrack – what more do you want? Artists include Rina Sayawama, Dayglow and Orla Gartland.
Plot: 7/10
- It’s quite slow and simple. However, that’s one of the things that makes Heartstopper so enjoyable – it’s happy for the sake of being happy.
Acting: no/10
- I think if I didn’t like the premise, this would have been unwatchable. There is a smirk that wipes across the main character’s face whenever he talks that simply infuriates me. It’s passable but in no way is it good.
Direction/faithfulness to original text: 9/10
- After reading the comics, I thought the casting for the characters was quite accurate. Also, I really enjoyed the animated leaves surrounding the love interest.
- While heartstopper isn’t a cinematic masterpiece, it’s wholesome, and it’s full of (happy) tropes; it’s rare that LGBTQ+ media is such a chockful of happiness.
Overall: 8/10
- It’s a coming-of-age story, rarely told in this manner. It’s not Oscar-winning by any means but it’s simple, good, and fun.
Further Recommendations:
(P.S. I don’t know the ratings for these so you’re going to have to decide.)
Films:
- ‘But I’m Just a Cheerleader’ (thanks to Laura K);
- ‘The Half Of It’.
TV Shows:
- ‘I Am Not Okay with This’ (a bit gory, I must warn);
- ‘Everything Sucks’;
- ‘One Day At A Time’ (the reboot).
Music recommendations:
- ‘Closer’ – Tegan & Sara;
- ‘Smalltown Boy’ – Bronski Beat (thanks to Anita);
- ‘Immaterial’- Sophie (RIP);
- ‘Desire’- Years & Years;
- ‘Girlfriend’- Rebecca Black.
