Heartstopper Forever has brought Nick and Charlie’s story to a close, but do they stay together? Find out below. 

• READ MORE: ‘Heartstopper Forever’ review: a chaotic goodbye to Netflix’s wholesome teens

Released on Netflix on July 17, the feature-length finale brings Heartstopper to an end after three seasons. Written by creator Alice Oseman and directed by Wash Westmoreland, it is adapted from Oseman’s webcomic and graphic novel series. 

Kit Connor and Joe Locke return as Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring, whose relationship faces its biggest test yet as Nick prepares to leave for university and the prospect of long distance begins to weigh on the couple. 

Watch the trailer below. 

In a three-star review of the film, NME wrote: “Still, if Heartstopper Forever isn’t a flawless farewell, it’s at least a fitting one. Saying goodbye to your teenage mates isn’t meant to be easy, and this film recognises that growing up can mean growing apart. That it does so without denying fans a happy ending feels like one last big-hearted hurrah.” 

The ending of Heartstopper Forever explained: do Nick and Charlie stay together? 

Nick and Charlie briefly break up in Heartstopper Forever, but they reconcile before the film ends and begin a long-distance relationship after Nick moves to Leeds. 

The split stems from Nick’s anxiety about leaving for university. He becomes convinced that his worries are holding Charlie back, while Charlie believes Nick might enjoy Leeds more without having to look after him. The tension also contributes to a relapse in Charlie’s anorexia. 

Their miscommunication comes to a head at a house party. When Charlie suggests that they give one another more space, Nick interprets it as an attempt to end the relationship and walks away. 

The separation forces both to confront their problems. Charlie receives support from his family, therapist and friends, while Nick finds purpose at an animal shelter. He also realises that his father leaving created a fear that Charlie would abandon him. 

After they encounter one another at a Pride event, Charlie develops photographs from a disposable camera he gave Nick and leaves them with an invitation to meet at the beach. There, they agree they can look after each other without sacrificing their independence. 

They return to prom as a couple and revisit the room at Harry Greene’s mansion where they shared their first kiss. The film then jumps forward three months, showing Charlie visiting Nick at the University of Leeds and joining his new friends for a night out. 

In the final scene, Nick and Charlie look through a memory book containing photographs and keepsakes from their relationship. Its blank pages signify that their story will continue beyond the film. As Oseman explained, “the story goes on” and the couple still have their whole lives ahead of them.