In the Netflix series Heartbreak High, Harper McLean, played by Asher Yasbincek, initially comes across as a formidable antagonist to Amerie Wadia (Ayesha Madon). However, as the show progresses, viewers glimpse a more tender aspect to Harper’s character. Premiering in 2022, this Australian comedy-drama serves as a soft reboot of the iconic 1994 series, successfully carving its niche within Netflix’s extensive lineup of comedy shows. With its blend of sharp humor, authentic storytelling, and an inclusive cast, Heartbreak High encapsulates the essence of contemporary youth experiences, particularly through the evolution of Harper’s character.
Before the events of the series unfold, Harper and Amerie share a close friendship. However, a pivotal incident at a music festival a week prior to the premiere episode titled “Map B**ch”leads to a significant fallout between the two. Insights into their conflict surface throughout the first season, but the full context is not fully revealed until the season finale. Although Harper exhibits a tough exterior, her initial portrayal in season 1 leans towards hostility, making it challenging for viewers to empathize with her character. Even after her backstory comes to light and she begins her path to redemption, feelings of sympathy remain elusive.
Harper’s Treatment of Amerie in Heartbreak High
Season 1: Harper’s Nearly Irredeemable Actions
From the outset, Harper is characterized as the series’ villain. In an explosive confrontation over the authorship of a controversial “incest map”—a crude visualization of Hartley High students’ romantic histories—Harper violently strikes Amerie, causing her to sustain a bloody injury. Furthermore, Harper’s actions extend beyond physical aggression; she becomes entangled in two love triangles that inflict emotional pain on those she ostensibly cares for. Despite her friendships, Harper secretly engages with Dusty (Joshua Heuston), the object of Amerie’s affections, complicating their relationship even further.
Harper’s betrayal deepens when, despite an initial attempt to rekindle her friendship with Amerie, she again succumbs to temptation, forming a complicated relationship that also involves Amerie’s other crush, Malakai (Thomas Weatherall). The cycle of betrayal reaches a climax when Amerie, in her efforts to move on, ultimately loses her virginity to Malakai, only for Harper to engage in a threesome with both him and Dusty shortly after. This lack of accountability from Harper renders many of her scenes frustrating for viewers, particularly as she fails to adequately explain her retreat from Amerie after a crucial and traumatic night witnessed during the season finale.
As the season concludes, it emerges that while Amerie was engaging in reckless behavior, Harper was grappling with her own alarming circumstances involving her father and a near-assault, unraveling the complex layers of her character. Rather than absolving her entirely, these revelations illustrate the unfairness of Harper holding Amerie’s mistakes against her when she was clearly in a position of distress.
Harper’s Faults and Her Challenging Background
The Impact of Harper’s Violent Upbringing
Harper’s unfriendly demeanor can alienate viewers, yet there are crucial facets of her life that merit understanding. Asher Yasbincek humanizes this complexity by shedding light on Harper’s turbulent home environment. Her father, Justin (Ben Oxenbould), presents a frequent menace, often demanding money for drugs and fostering an unstable home life. This dangerous backdrop comes to light as she narrowly escapes potential assault from others in the community. With nowhere else to turn, she seeks refuge at Amerie’s home, only to be denied entry, prompting her tragic return to her father.
The culmination of Harper’s struggles comes when, after a traumatic evening, she is forced to defend herself against her father’s violent attack, leading to an extreme act of self-defense that bears the weight of a harrowing reality. While none of this justifies her behavior, it forms a critical context that may help audiences better comprehend her actions and the pressures that shape her character.
Asher Yasbincek Reflects on Harper’s Complex Character
Understanding Harper Through Yasbincek’s Perspective
Asher Yasbincek emphasizes the significance of Harper’s home dynamics in developing her character. In an interview with YoungEntertainmentMag, she shared:
“I definitely made sure I was really informed and really aware of what [Harper] was going through at that time when we started filming… The stuff with my dad was probably the most rewarding to shoot because it was my biggest challenge on the project.”
Yasbincek’s commitment to portraying Harper authentically stems from her deep understanding of the character’s background, particularly the tumultuous relationship with her father, which profoundly influences Harper’s interactions with her friends. For Harper, the stakes in confrontations, such as those with Amerie, are drastically altered by her experiences of survival against paternal violence.
Harper’s Transformation in Season 2
Looking Ahead: Friendship and Growth in Season 3
Season 2 marks a significant shift for Harper, as she fully embraces her role as a protagonist. After confronting the traumatic aftermath of Chook’s attempted assault and her father’s violence, she reconciles with Amerie, forging an even stronger bond as friends. As the season unfolds, Harper’s character matures, highlighting the challenges she faces and showcasing her growth against the backdrop of adversity.
The finale of season 2 presents a dramatic climax where Harper and Amerie find themselves trapped in a burning school, underscoring their resilient friendship as they fight for survival. This pivotal moment reinforces Harper’s transition to a protagonist role within the story. Production for Heartbreak High season 3 began in November 2024, promising to continue this evolution of friendship and connection between Harper and Amerie as they navigate their futures together (via Netflix).