Breaking the Curse of Knowledge: Adaptation, Ethics, and Enchantment in Netflix’s Heartstopper

In this chapter, I consider Heartstopper as an adaptation that transforms its source material by elaborating on the emotional moments that represent what Oseman calls the “Heartstopper moments” (Wang). I play with this idea because they are heartstoppers in the sense that they represent moments of emotional upheaval within the storyworld but also invite an emotional moment of enchantment for the audience. I use this term “enchantment” to point to an element of surprise that satisfies a knowing audience. This enchantment, I argue, is represented in Heartstopper, especially in moments of bliss between Charlie and Nick, and is also fostered for the viewer through the Heartstopper doodles that make the affective enchantment visible. I argue for the combination of recognition with surprise or enchantment to counteract what Vera Tobin calls the “curse of knowledge.” This combination of knowledge and enchantment aligns with an ethical connection enhanced by wonder.