Movies

‘Forever’ modernizes a story about first love, vulnerability and heartbreak with its leads

BBG News

The tale of Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr., two leads in “Forever” on Netflix, recounts their initial encounter as if it were skillfully penned by a screenwriter, destined to depict a heartwarming narrative of budding romance.

On his way to Los Angeles from Atlanta for an audition, Cooper was anxious since his car had been stolen three hours prior. However, he followed his agent’s advice to deal with it later (“He told me, ‘Just go! If you land this role, you can buy another car,'” Cooper recalls). Simone sat next to him on the plane, also headed to audition for the same TV series. They didn’t realize it then, as they didn’t talk during the flight or in their initial round of auditions. It wasn’t until they both received a callback for the chemistry read that they became aware of each other.

Currently, they’re on the brink of captivating teen audiences everywhere, as the new screen adaption of Mara Brock Akil’s interpretation of Judy Blume’s 1975 novel “Forever” has just been released. This book-to-screen couple is set to become the next big sensation.

Simone, aged 26, and Cooper, aged 23, are both fresh faces in the industry, with Simone boasting several TV appearances such as “Greenleaf” and “Manhunt,” and Cooper having a few shorts and film credits under his belt. They were chosen to portray the main characters, Keisha Clark and Justin Edwards, in the series last year. The show, titled “Forever,” explores the depth of first love and the lasting impact it has on its teenage protagonists as they navigate their emotions and insecurities.

2018 sees the story unfold in Los Angeles, where we explore the blossoming romance between Keisha and Justin, two teens from different worlds. Keisha, a bright and self-assured track star, has been compelled by her circumstances to grow up quickly and nurture ambitious dreams for her post-high school life. On the other hand, there’s Justin, an introverted young man who cherishes music but faces difficulties in academics despite his parents’ encouragement, as they have achieved great success.

For the first time, they cross paths in elementary school, but their paths intertwine again during a New Year’s Eve house party when they are teenagers. Their feelings for each other develop rapidly, leading to a tumultuous romance marked by puppy-eyed affection, misunderstandings, and intense yearning. This tale spans a year, with key events including a scandalous sex video circulating at school, strict parental pressure, and frequent use of the block function on their phones (resulting in numerous unread messages).

Simone expresses, “That initial love experience alters individuals.” It modifies your perspective on limits, relationships, and the manner in which you choose to connect. It molds you since it encompasses all these ‘first experiences,’ understanding them, experiencing them deeply. Not in a distressing way but in a transformative sense of life.

As a film enthusiast, I’d say it like this: “You know, vulnerability can be quite elusive,” I might remark. “Often, we choose to hide our emotions instead of embracing them. But first love has a unique way of exposing your rawest feelings in a manner you’ve never experienced before.

As a film enthusiast, I found myself once again in the heart of the city, nestled comfortably in a luxurious, purple-hued booth at Netflix’s offices on Vine Street, just last month in April. The potential success of “Forever” in the current teenage romance trend could undeniably mark a groundbreaking moment for both its creators. However, it wasn’t this prospect that had us chuckling and blushing. Instead, we were reminiscing about the lessons, personal growth, and awkward moments that come hand-in-hand with being young and in love… or perhaps not so much in love!

Cooper shares that he arranges dates well ahead of time due to his anxiousness and desire to make everything perfect for his first girlfriend. He expresses, “The love was so tangible, it stayed with me,” adding, “I found myself saying, ‘Let’s go to the beach together! Let’s hike! Let’s have a picnic!’ The experience left an indelible mark on my perspective of life. It made me prioritize her happiness above my own.

As a cinephile hailing from the Bronx, I’ve got a little secret to share – my first boyfriend was one! We’d surreptitiously slip away from our neighborhood and rendezvous in the heart of Manhattan, Times Square. There, we’d enjoy covert dates filled with movies and more. A moment that still stands out in my memory is when he surprised me with a Swarovski bracelet. The dilemma? I had to keep it hidden due to our clandestine relationship.

“Hold up — he got you a Swarovski bracelet?” Cooper interjects. “What?”

Simone expresses herself with an affirmative nod. “I was around 15 or 16, and he was a year older. When things ended between us, I felt utterly devastated for approximately two years – a real wreck. However, it ultimately forces you to prioritize yourself.

Cooper credits Akil for grounding “Forever” in that beauty of discovery in adolescence.

It’s a passion project decades in the making, even if Akil didn’t realize it.

The creator and screenplay artist is recognized for a TV library that delves into the joys and intricacies of Black women, featuring series such as “Girlfriends,” “Being Mary Jane” and “The Game.” Akil discovered Blume’s body of work after reading “Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret” in just two days. This sparked a quest for more of the author’s works, renowned for portraying the perplexing journey of adolescence. At 12 years old, “Forever” began circulating among her friends.

She mentions that the book was in such poor condition due to being frequently handed from one person to another, causing pages to come loose, during a recent visit to her production office located in L.A.’s West Adams district. Akil, who is known for her affection towards sleep, reminisces about staying awake just to read it through.

I recall my mom shutting off the bedroom light and insisting I keep my door open due to my habit of closing it when I wanted to read late into the night. However, she left the hallway light on, and I’d squint at the book like this,” she demonstrates by holding a nonexistent book and stretching her arms for a glimpse of light, “and I’ve carried that ‘Forever’ crick in my neck ever since.

For my adolescent self, “Forever” served as a guiding text, sparking my curiosity about the transition from liking and kissing someone to determining when they’re ready for intimate encounters. It was a mystery I yearned to unravel – how does it happen? Where does it occur? Is it painful? How do you discuss it? I wanted a roadmap, a clear path to understanding this complex journey. “Help me connect the dots,” I thought, and “Forever” provided some enlightenment.

She remarks, “In the book, there’s a section where they delve into their decision-making process and actions taken. I found it genuinely authentic and skillfully executed,” she says. “At first attempt, things didn’t go smoothly. There were no negative consequences, but it wasn’t some perfect, romantic scene. Instead, it was an awkward encounter. And I respected that.

Different people don’t always share the same opinions – this book, which has been a regular on the American Library Association’s list of most often challenged books since the ’90s, was even banned by Florida’s Martin County School District just last March.

If you inquire about Akil, it highlights the potency of Blume’s writing style and her acclaimed status among young-adult authors: “She gave our humanity the gravity we assigned ourselves and brilliantly portrayed the mindset of youth. That emotional roller coaster ride from sheer joy to ‘Oh, my goodness, life is over’ for even the smallest incidents.

Akil hadn’t paid much attention to the book since his youthful days. It wasn’t until he signed an all-encompassing deal with Netflix in 2020 and discovered that some of Blume’s work could be adapted that Akil became resolute about figuring out a way to make it relevant for a newer audience. Unfortunately, “Forever” couldn’t be optioned at that moment.

Undeterred by this, Akil revisited the book and sought an audience with its author, Blume, who penned it for her daughter when the birth control pill was first accessible to unmarried women. During a Zoom call, both donning blue-framed spectacles, Akil presented her case. Today, “Forever” is her initial series on Netflix.

Exploring the demand for more diverse portrayals of adolescent romance, Akil’s interpretation deviates from a traditional adaptation. Firstly, it focuses on two African-American teenagers instead of the original characters, whom we now know as Keisha and Justin. Moreover, while the feelings exhibited by these young characters resonate universally, they are also deeply rooted in real-life experiences.

As a movie reviewer reflecting on this captivating production, I chose to situate the narrative in the year 2018, immersing characters within the walls of predominantly white private schools. This setting serves as a backdrop for exploring the unique challenges faced by young, ambitious Black individuals striving for success amidst these institutions.

The seeds of this story were sown during the tumultuous year of 2020, when the heart-wrenching death of George Floyd sparked widespread discussions about microaggressions and systemic racism. These conversations provided a powerful source of inspiration for my vision, illuminating the experiences of Black youth navigating these complex systems to seize their future opportunities.

Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr., leading actors in “Forever,” express that people often hold back their emotions instead of embracing them. According to Cooper, your first love exposes you to a level of emotional intensity that you might not be used to handling. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

In Blume’s “Forever,” Katherine is portrayed as the main character who is more vulnerable due to her gender and the era, but Akil’s adaptation focuses on how both Keisha and Justin are equally susceptible to vulnerability. Keisha is struggling not to let a scandal overshadow her identity, and Simone appreciates that the adaptation shows this struggle for a young Black woman under immense pressure: “I appreciate that you can see what Keisha is going through – that anxiety, that weight of expectations, that sense of no room for error.” However, she perseveres.

Just like Justin, a young Black man, is equally at risk concerning his prospects and the journey of self-discovery regarding sexuality.

Akil mentions that Justin isn’t frequently present in the narrative, and he also points out that Black, the character with an unusual blend of shyness and charisma, is not typically cast as the romantic lead in stories.

Through the life experiences of their eldest child, Yasin, Akil has formed his perspective about Justin. (It’s worth noting that Yasin is the one who composes the music that Justin continually works on during the entire series.)

Cooper admits that stepping into the role made him feel anxious at first. However, there was a specific line penned by Mara that resonated with him: “[Justin] straddles insecurity and confidence.” This line struck a chord with him, as he felt a connection to it. Despite Justin being different from himself, Cooper found something incredibly authentic and raw about it. Mara created such a multi-dimensional character.

Alongside Akil, Los Angeles was a significant setting for their romantic tale. The show’s filming took place in authentic neighborhoods; Keisha’s family resides in Crenshaw, while Justin’s family dwells in the upscale View Park-Windsor Hills area. As the series progresses, they explore locations such as Fairfax District, Santa Monica Pier and Little Tokyo.

In her words, “Living in Los Angeles presents a distinct aspect – we often use the phrase ‘Above the 10, below the 10’, reflecting the city’s division by the interstate. I wanted to highlight the charm of both sides. However, it could be tough for young individuals who don’t own a car or haven’t learned to drive, as commuting might become an issue. This dilemma adds an extra layer of drama and strengthens our connection.

Akil’s vision earned Blume’s seal of approval.

In her statement to The Times, Blume, who is 87 years old, expressed that she had no intention of adapting ‘Forever.’ However, this project was unique. It was intended to be Mara’s interpretation of ‘Forever,’ based on Blume’s book. After watching all the episodes, some of which she watched multiple times, Blume believes Mara has done a commendable job in reimagining the characters and story from her book. She hopes that both new and long-time audiences will be pleased with the outcome, as she was herself.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase that as follows: “As a writer on UPN’s sitcom ‘Moesha,’ I was always on the lookout for actors who could stir up emotions and make audiences want to cheer for their characters, regardless of whether they were in a relationship or not. Simone and Cooper perfectly embodied this quality when they were apart, but it was when they came together that something truly special happened – something I find hard to put into words.

She remarks, “However, the change is evident.” She believes that Michael’s unpredictability stirred a profound beauty within Lovie, which encapsulates the essence of love itself – its inherent unpredictability.

A strong, noticeable connection between the main characters is essential for success in young-adult romance adaptations – this is what made shows like “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” and “Normal People” popular. The evening before their chemistry reading, Cooper happened to bump into Simone outside their hotel while she was waiting for an Uber Eats delivery from Wendy’s. They ended up discussing scenes together instead.

Simone remarks, “That was our very first collaborative effort, something we’d never done together before.” She finds it enjoyable. It feels as though, having accomplished this here in the room with the Wendy’s, we now need to take what we’ve learned out into the world and apply it.

As a passionate movie reviewer, I found myself deeply moved by Regina King’s directorial debut in this captivating series. In her role as both director and executive producer, King emphasized the importance of using initial audition performances as a reference point for the actors throughout the show. This approach lent authenticity to their characters, making each performance feel genuine and compelling.

Frequently, I’d bring up memories of their initial audition together and how both their hearts pounded fast; it could have been due to the excitement of wanting the role, but it was also that, ‘Who is this actor going to be like?’ Can you recall that very first feeling when you two sat in front of the camera for us?

A few hours later, Simone and Cooper find themselves at Hachioji Ramen in Little Tokyo, engaged in a photo session; Simone updates Cooper on the horror movie she’s been working on intensely. The setting holds importance – it’s where their characters go on a sort of farewell date, having parted ways after graduation and starting separate lives. Instead of Northwestern, Justin decides to focus on his music career, while Keisha is planning to attend Howard University.

Cooper remarks, “It’s beneficial for young viewers to witness the growth of these characters, as it takes them to a level of communication and maturity. Justin is evolving, discovering more about himself, while Keisha is learning to let go gracefully.

Simone remarks, “It’s great they’re able to experience some kind of resolution,” she says. Often, with breakups, there isn’t much discussion about the end. Endings can be significant, they can mark new beginnings. I sense that Keisha and Justin might reconnect again, but when or why remains a mystery. It’s crucial for them to spend time apart too, as it allows personal growth.

Akil intends to delve deeper into the narrative, extending it beyond a single season. Not necessarily indefinitely, but for some time to come.

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2025-05-08 13:32

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