Fans of Heartstopper will undoubtedly be interested in a new British movie due to hit US theaters on October 11 (National Coming Out Day). Like the hit Netflix show, Bonus Track focuses on two schoolboys drawn to one another. 

The movie stars Joe Anders and Samuel Small in the lead roles. Set in 2006, Anders plays 16-year-old George, who dreams of a career in music but lacks confidence. Small plays news classmate Joe, the son of a famous singing duo. Joe’s arrival at the school, the son of famous parents, prompts waves … and grabs George’s interest. 

Pretty soon, the two boys decide to work on music together to enter the school talent show. Spending a concentrated amount of time with one another leads to deeper feelings developing. 

Josh O’Connor

The story comes from an idea by actor Josh O’Connor, 34, who first came to attention in the 2017 queer drama, God’s Own Country. He went on to win an Emmy and Golden Globe in 2021 for playing Prince Charles in The Crown. He was most recently seen starring in Challengers, alongside Zendaya and Mike Faist. 

Josh O'Connor
Josh O’Connor (Photo: Shutterstock)

O’Connor’s star is definitely on the rise. He’s scheduled to appear in the next Knives Out mystery, an upcoming Steven Spielberg blockbuster, and opposite Paul Mescal in a gay romantic drama: The History of Sound. 

Besides coming up with the story for Bonus Track (adapted into a screenplay by Josh Robinson), O’Connor also has a small, almost unrecognizable role in the movie. He plays a heavily tattooed piercer who offers to pierce George’s eyebrow. 

Bonus Track is directed by Julia Jackman. It premiered at the BFI London Film Festival last year and currently has an 83% score on aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes.

Watch the trailer below. 

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, the song in the background was a new track written for the movie by queer singer Olly Alexander (Years & Years). 

@ollyalexander

so excited to share my new track ‘a very bad fun idea’ with you today !! taken from the upcoming film ‘Bonus Track’ 💕 I can’t wait for you all to see it

♬ A Very Bad Fun Idea – Taken From The Film "BONUS TRACK" – Olly Alexander (Years & Years)
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