Netflix’s own current organizational woes aside, they just got something right. “Heartstopper,” the sweet British comedy-drama series, has everybody hooked. The coming-of-age story based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novel about two queer teenage boys (newcomers Kit Connor and Joe Locke), their unexpected romance, and the relationships among their larger group of queer teen classmates, is a breakout hit for the streaming service (54 countries counted it among Netflix’s Top 10). In no small way due to a wave of social media word-of-mouth praise, it’s been picked up for two more seasons, much to the delight of its enthusiastic fans. Oseman will return as writer for the next seasons, which will see the characters navigate more teenage trials and errors as they all move forward into healthy, happy adulthood. Don’t laugh, this show is kind of the anti-“Euphoria,” and more power to its comfort-watch qualities. Here’s to being adorable!
‘Trevor: The Musical’ makes its way to Disney+
It was the little movie that could. “Trevor,” the 1994, Peggy Rajski-directed short film that won an Academy Award, became the namesake for The Trevor Project, an ongoing suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization aimed at helping LGBTQ+ young people. And now it’s a critically well-received off-Broadway musical that will soon stream into homes thanks to Disney+. Starring newcomer Holden William Hagelberger, the story follows 13-year-old Trevor, a Diana Ross superfan whose homosexuality becomes a source of bullying at school, which in turn leads to an unsuccessful suicide attempt and a hopeful future of self-acceptance. With a book and lyrics by Dan Collins, music by Julianne Wick Davis, direction by Marc Bruni (and the filmed version directed by Robin Mishkin Abram), it’s a charming production that looks to get a much-deserved shot at wider Pride Month attention from the streaming platform when it drops on June 24. We’ll be watching. With some Kleenex.
Indigo Girls queer up ‘Mixtape Trilogy’
Indigo Girls have never let us down. They showed up in the late ’80s to woo all of us — notably, those of us who are lesbians, but let’s not pigeonhole — and it’s been a mutual lovefest ever since. To celebrate that longevity, the new documentary “Mixtape Trilogy: Stories of the Power of Music,” the directorial debut of Kathleen Ermitage, will prominently feature the band alongside hip-hop artist Talib Kweli and composer/pianist Vijay Iyer. The film isn’t just a documentary about the band, but specifically about the relationships forged between musicians and their fans. With Indigo Girls and LGBTQ+ audiences, the connection is especially meaningful, as it evolved between underserved fans and artists who were openly queer at a time when it was commercially risky. “Mixtape Trilogy” is on the film festival circuit right now, but will eventually find its way to arthouses and streaming services, so keep your eyes and ears open.
‘They/Them’ slashes its way to Peacock
Last year we shared the news of an untitled queer horror movie on the horizon from Blumhouse, one starring up-and-coming non-binary actor Theo Germaine (“The Politician”). Now it has a title and a fleshed-out roster of co-stars. Set in an ex-gay conversion therapy camp, “They/Them” (say the slash symbol out loud, it’s fun!) follows the horrific goings-on at a remote location designed to harm young people and, we assume, how those would-be victims turn the tables. It’s gay screenwriter John Logan’s (“Gladiator”) directorial bow, the cast now includes Anna Chlumsky, Carrie Preston, and O.G. “Friday the 13th” star Kevin Bacon. We’re very ready for the kind of revenge-slasher we’ve always dreamed of whenever the subject of ex-gay therapy rears its ugly head, so when it drips blood all over streaming service Peacock on Aug. 5, we’ll be there to enjoy the mayhem.
Romeo San Vicente enjoys camping at five-star hotels.