HEARTSTOPPER is a wonderful new show on Netflix about two high school boys falling in love. It's funny--it's a story we've seen quite a few times before, including with queer kids. And yet it still feels very fresh and compelling.
Obviously that's got everything to do with the the writing and performances, which are fantastic. But early in the first episode the show also introduces a small technique that I think has a huge impact. When Charlie first sees Nick, two little animated leaves blow past him on the screen. Then he sits down, says hello, Nick responds--and two more leaves blow past the two of them. Then a bunch more circle the smitten Charlie.
It's a simple way of expressing the magic in this moment. But it sends a message, too: this isn't going to be your standard "two kids fall in love" sitcom; there's going to be more wonder to it than that and also more innocence and sweetness. This isn't going to be rat-a-tat-tat repartee and irony; we're in hearts on sleeves territory.
I've watched the first four episodes at this point, and Alice Oseman, who wrote the series (and also the graphic novel on which it is based), has used the technique very sparingly, which makes it that much more effective. There's a great moment in 102 where Nick is sitting next to a sleeping Charlie and on impulse reaches out to take his hand, and then these cartoon sparks begin to emerge. Once again it expresses exactly what that moment feels like, but in a magical, awe-filled way.
I think it's also effective as a technique because it's so small, just a little zhuzh here and there when people are feeling something special. You could miss it if you look away at the wrong moment. That is to say, it's precious--which once again captures the feeling the show is trying to convey.
Obviously, adding cartoon special effects is not something every series can do. But as you think about a script you've finished, it might be worth asking the question, Is there something that can make my story--which 99 times out of a 100 is a story that has been told a hundred times before--visually distinctive? Is there any small element I could add to help draw out its themes, tone or feelings?
Check out HEARTSTOPPER on Netflix. It's really so good.
