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Netflix’s ‘Forever’ Redefines TV Romance: A Judy Blume Classic Reimagined

BBG News

Two teenagers encounter each other at a gathering and quickly develop a deep, intense, swift affection. However, their relationship is challenged by external factors, such as their families, echoing a storyline as timeless as Shakespeare’s work in his play “Romeo and Juliet,” which has captivated audiences for over four centuries. Yet, this narrative also forms the basis of Judy Blume’s 1975 young adult novel “Forever.” Rooted in the second-wave feminist movement, “Forever” continues to resonate as an honest, relatable, compassionate reflection for youth experiencing their first love. While “Romeo” established a model for passionate tales of doomed romance, “Forever” struck a chord with its more candid, down-to-earth portrayal of young love.

The debut of the captivating Netflix series Forever underscores the enduring and universal appeal of Blume’s book. Unlike the novel, which is set in the 1970s suburban New Jersey among white teenagers, this adaptation, created by Mara Brock Akil (Girlfriends, Being Mary Jane) and situated in the technologically advanced metropolis of 2010s Los Angeles among Black teens from diverse backgrounds, deviates significantly. However, Akil’s adaptation stays true to the emotional authenticity of the source material, portraying young characters’ inner lives with sincerity while also acknowledging the wisdom of parents who understand their children’s first love through a more seasoned perspective.

The main character, Katherine, portrayed by Blume, and her partner, Michael, were ordinary teenagers that children from half a century ago could easily relate to. Akil’s style, however, is more suitable for a visual format, as he equally emphasizes both characters and carefully develops them. Justin Edwards (Michael Cooper Jr.) embodies a privileged background, with roots in a predominantly white, private-school environment, and a sweet yet awkward demeanor, sheltered by his protective mother. He is juggling NBA aspirations, college applications, and a collection of hip-hop beats, all while navigating the tension between his personal ambitions and societal expectations. Lovie Simone, who gained acclaim for her lead roles in ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ and ‘Selah and the Spades’, brings a captivating presence to Keisha Clark, Michael’s counterpart. She is ambitious and determined, striving hard to succeed academically and on the track, while also hiding a secret that could jeopardize her future. Despite being on the verge of securing a full-ride scholarship to Howard University, as her family eagerly anticipates, Keisha must also conceal something that could threaten her dreams.

Despite attending elementary school together, Justin fails to recognize Keisha when they encounter each other at a New Year’s Eve house party. However, their connection is instantaneous. Keisha had always harbored a small crush on him. Meanwhile, the naive Justin finds inspiration in his parents’ advice. Eric (Wood Harris), his father, jokes but isn’t joking when he says, “What your mother wants more than anything for you is for you to have a future… with a Black girl.” However, their relationship encounters numerous bumps. Introduce smartphones and social media into the mix along with the usual teenage challenges of anxiety, hormones, family dynamics, peer pressure, gender biases, etc., and the potential for misunderstandings and drama escalates significantly. Occasionally, the narrative in Forever seems stagnant due to the recurring pattern of breakups and make-ups, which, while realistic, can become repetitive.

Similar to Blume, Akil skillfully navigates the challenges of portraying realistic sexual experiences for his young characters without objectifying them or making their encounters overly sanitized in the setting of Euphoria, a gritty depiction of teenage life in Southern California. In this series, hookups are one aspect of a generation’s reckless behavior, but they can also serve as a means for individuals who value each other to form connections. The show Forever offers an authentic portrayal of awkward intergenerational sex talks (Eric has Justin put a condom on a cucumber in the dark), failed attempts at privacy among couples, first experiences that fall short of expectations, and the development of genuine intimacy over time.

In this show, the portrayal of Justin’s and Keisha’s parents is just as intricate and thoughtful as the main characters themselves. Much like them, these parents navigate a delicate balance, neither falling into the stereotypical roles of strict disciplinarians nor overly permissive parents eager for their kids’ approval.

For instance, Keisha’s mom, Shelly, has put in countless efforts to help her daughter avoid the pitfalls she encountered during her youth, which leaves Keisha feeling an overwhelming need to uphold perfection to repay Shelly’s sacrifices. Actress Karen Pittman, who has been impressively versatile lately with roles in ‘And Just Like That’ and ‘The Morning Show,’ delivers a striking performance as Justin’s overprotective mother, Dawn. The dynamic between Dawn and Eric, Justin’s father, revolves around their differing views on how much freedom to grant their son. Every parent grapples with the question of whether to apply guidance accumulated from their past experiences too heavily or to give their child space to learn from their own mistakes.

Due to the broadening of viewpoints, “Forever” transcends being merely a captivating teen drama or an adaptation skillfully revamping a half-century-old novel. The script is so personal yet relatable on a global scale; the directorial finesse (notably the premiere directed by executive producer Regina King); the depth of performance delivered by Simone and Cooper; the vividness of the cinematography; a soundtrack featuring hip-hop and R&B that mirrors the characters’ lives – all these elements come together to create one of TV’s most compelling romances. Period. It might be a coming-of-age tale, and adolescents will undoubtedly cherish it as they did Blume’s book. However, regardless of whether you’re a teenager or an adult, Black in California or Jewish in New Jersey or Asian in Minnesota, if you appreciate the intricacies of love, “Forever” is intended for you.

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2025-05-08 11:06

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