Heartstopper star Corrina Brown discusses the series finale and her character’s journey
Corrina Brown has returned to the UK after attending a music festival in Paris, where she enjoyed a lively atmosphere before diving back into her role as Tara in the Netflix series Heartstopper, reports BritPanorama.
At 27, Brown presents a markedly more mature persona than her character Tara, a school pupil experiencing the thrills of first love. The upcoming release of Heartstopper Forever, a film finale, will expand on Tara’s storyline, addressing themes such as Charlie’s eating disorder and the complexities of romantic relationships.
After capturing global attention since its debut in 2022, Heartstopper features an uplifting queer romance between teenage boys Charlie and Nick, based on Alice Oseman’s webcomic. Brown’s character, Tara, has been instrumental in spotlighting the nuances of young love and identity on screen.
Regarding her performance, Brown recalled auditioning from her bed, saying, “I did move my teddy bears. But my fairy lights, my pillows and my bed sheets were still there.” Her first meeting with co-star Kit Connor, where they performed a club scene, also revealed her enthusiasm: “I’m like, ‘Performing monkey, let’s go!’”
Brown believes in the depth of young people’s experiences, noting: “Kids experience the world. They experience the same feelings that we feel.” She reflected on the show’s ability to resonate with audiences, attributing its success to relatable storytelling, whether about school pressures or the excitement of first crushes.
Despite its upbeat tone, Heartstopper touches on hyper-realistic challenges such as jealousy and anxiety, which Brown connects to her own experiences. She mentioned filming a recent results day episode that brought back her memories of school.
The series has not only received acclaim with seven Children’s and Family Emmy Awards, but it has also gained a following among adult viewers. Its broad representation of queer identities has made it particularly impactful. As a Black lesbian, Brown appreciates the support shown for her character Tara’s identity within her family, highlighting the importance of showcasing diverse narratives.
Reflecting on her experiences, Brown pointed out the broader implications of representation in media, particularly within LGBTQ+ communities. She shared a poignant moment in Trinidad and Tobago, where someone thanked her for the work, affirming that her role contributes positively to the community.
Amidst evolving political narratives regarding trans rights, Brown emphasized the significance of depicting realistic interactions and the effects of societal attitudes on youth. She remarked on the series’ authenticity, saying, “It shows you that if you’re a decent human being you’ll see that that’s wrong and the effect it has on these characters.”
Brown’s journey began at the Anna Fiorentini Theatre and Film School, where she nurtured her love for performing arts. She later continued her education at East 15 drama school, diverging from her initial plan and captivatingly embracing new skills, such as combat training.
While the final season of Heartstopper brings her character’s narrative to a close, Brown’s ambitions remain expansive. She expressed interest in exploring various facets of her career, including voiceovers and short film writing, indicating a dynamic range to her artistic endeavors.
Heartstopper Forever is on Netflix from Friday.
