Movies

‘Forever’ is a sweet ode to first love (and L.A.) based on Judy Blume’s novel

BBG News

The 1975 novel “Forever” by Judy Blume, which explores teenagers experiencing their first sexual experiences, has been adapted into a Netflix series featuring alterations that you might view as significant or minor. Debuting this Thursday, the show presents a heartwarming narrative where characters, despite their occasional disagreements due to differing desires and perspectives, are generally kind-hearted. The most critical feedback one could offer is that the characters may seem naive or perplexed, which is understandable given the incomplete development of their brains – a scientific fact that is subtly mentioned in the series.

I’ve never personally read any books by Blume, but I have come across reviews, summaries of “Forever…”, and Reddit discussions where people reminisce about secretly sharing this book during their school years – Blume, who was already a renowned children’s author due to “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” paired with the allure of sex made for quite the popular read among adolescents in the mid-70s. Interestingly enough, I can confirm that in both the novel and the series, one character nicknames his penis Ralph.

The TV series produced by Mara Brock Akil (“Girlfriends”) alters the title of the book it’s based on by removing the ellipses. Notably, the characters are African American, a change that is both cosmetic and substantial. It stays true to the essence and purpose of the novel while introducing topics about Black culture and progression not originally addressed by Blume. Moreover, this series is set in contemporary times – 2018 – and transports the setting from tranquil suburban New Jersey to bustling, expansive Los Angeles. The premiere episode is helmed by Regina King, who has previously worked on “One Night in Miami”.

In the past fifty years since “Forever…” was published, societal norms have undeniably evolved. Although teenagers were certainly falling in love and having sexual relationships during the time when Captain & Tennille’s “Love Will Keep Us Together” topped the charts, the modern era of texting, online anonymity, and explicit TV content presents a unique perspective on adolescence. Despite this, a television series focusing on two high school students who have not yet engaged in sexual intercourse can evoke nostalgia for simpler times – a feeling that is far from unwelcome.

Justin (Michael Cooper Jr.) and Keisha (Lovie Simone) are our main characters, who either reconnect or first meet at a New Year’s Eve party hosted by Chloe (Ali Gallo), the only regular white character in the series. This gathering takes place in her home. Although not pretentious, Chloe’s wealth is evident. The food served, fondue, has a reputation for being quite upscale. Justin and Keisha have known each other from their school days but come from distinct backgrounds: he resides in a spacious modern mansion in the hills, while she lives with her mother, Shelly (Xosha Roquemore), in an apartment located near Slauson and Crenshaw.

Keisha is an exceptional student and track athlete, affectionately known by her friends as Urkel. She’s recently transferred to a Catholic school, which her mother finds challenging to afford. However, she’s aiming for a full scholarship at Howard University, and it seems unlikely to deter her, despite a scandalous video of hers that has circulated.

Justin, who experiences learning difficulties and challenges with executive functioning, faces struggles at school. His mother, Dawn (Karen Pittman), an accomplished businesswoman, pushes him hard and expects greatness from him, despite his uncertainty about his own ambitions. It’s possible they both place too much hope on Justin’s basketball skills when it comes to college admissions. On the other hand, his father, Eric (Wood Harris), who manages the family’s restaurants, including the real-life Linden, a hub of Black society in Hollywood, didn’t attend college and is more laid back, believing that life will work things out when it should.

The children are truthful and genuine, without being pretentious or insincere. Keisha appears to be more organized in her personal life, but she occasionally jumps to conclusions. Justin, less enamored with the high-powered business future his mother envisions for him, aspires to a career in music, which translates to “making beats.” Despite not being actual teenagers, Simone and Cooper have a youthful charm about them; they’re quite endearing. Their parents are likable, loving, diligent individuals who can sometimes be bossy, but they genuinely care for their children. Just like in real life, the kids manage some aspects of their lives better than their parents, but there are times when the parents prove to be wiser than the kids. (This series is designed primarily for younger audiences, so it won’t involve lectures.)

Keisha and Justin stumble through their initial date, filled with awkward moments, but it’s not long before Justin sends her a text saying he might have a girlfriend now, to which she responds that she can’t be his girlfriend unless he asks. Despite the rocky start, things take a turn as they navigate through eight episodes of everyday drama, including feelings of jealousy and insecurity, mood swings, periods of sadness and happiness, despair and joy, misunderstandings and reconciliations. They encounter minor issues with school and their parents. The infamous sex tape, filmed by Keisha’s ex-boyfriend Christian (Xavier Mills), is shared by an unseen character, but it becomes less of a topic as the story unfolds. Justin remains unphased by this.

Remarkably, unlike many contemporary teen shows, this particular series abstains from depicting underage drinking or drug use. However, a few adult characters are occasionally shown smoking marijuana, and an old friend named Shannon (Zora Casebere) makes advances towards Justin during the family’s annual summer vacation at Martha’s Vineyard. She proposes, “I want you to be my first,” hinting at a casual encounter, suggesting it would be awkward but humorous. Justin, however, believes love should be involved in such encounters.

This story revolves around the exciting moments of adolescence rather than the unknown events of the future, although the latter is frequently a topic of conversation. The narrative ultimately leaves our protagonists pondering about their relationship’s fate after graduation. It’s worth mentioning that the title, in its ironic nature, doesn’t provide a clear resolution – or, to put it another way, the title of the final episode is left open-ended by Blume’s use of ellipses.

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2025-05-08 10:34

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