‘Forever’ Review: Judy Blume’s Classic Gets a Winsome Modern Makeover From Netflix

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Tucked within the edition of “Forever…” I downloaded for my review, there’s a note penned by author Judy Blume. This note, which wasn’t originally part of the book when it was first published in 1975, was added in 2014 to provide more recent insights on Sexually Transmitted Infections prevention.

This small addition, only one page long, doesn’t change much from the last fifty years of the book. However, it significantly highlights the novel’s continued relevance and Blume’s openness to updating her classic for modern times.

As a devoted fan, I must say that the transformations in Netflix’s revamped version of “Forever” are nothing short of remarkable, making it impossible to overlook. However, viewed from this perspective, these changes seem less like a rejection of the original and more like a heartfelt embrace of its essence. The new take is infused with enough novelty to stand on its own merits and possesses an allure that could entice a new wave of fans (though perhaps not quite to the point of falling head over heels).

Mara Brock Akil’s series is identified as being “inspired by” Blume’s book instead of “based on” it, making a subtle but crucial difference in its representation. While the main storyline remains consistent – Justin (played by Michael Cooper) and Keisha (Lovie Simone) meet at a New Year’s Eve fondue party, develop a romantic relationship over several months, and face challenges as they approach the end of high school – the series doesn’t strictly follow the exact events from the book. The premiere is directed by Regina King.

Approach getting a more detailed view, yet the narrative significantly changes. The main character is no longer a white girl from suburban New Jersey in the 1970s, but instead, the roles are shared by two Black teenagers traveling from South Los Angeles to the Hollywood Hills in 2018. This transformation makes Forever a period piece prior to the COVID-19 pandemic; the characters even visit an Arclight cinema. Although the couple still struggle with feelings of jealousy, doubts about their future, and the awkwardness surrounding sexual intimacy, and the boy continues to humorously call his penis “Ralph”, Keisha and Justin’s romance is expressed in a distinctly modern way: Instagram hashtags as heartfelt gestures, sex tapes serving as romantic hurdles, and unread texts functioning as fleeting diary entries.

Although “Forever” primarily revolves around a teenage romance, it delves much deeper into the lives of Keisha and Justin. Beyond their passionate connection, they grapple with challenges such as parental expectations, post-high school aspirations, and the struggles of being Black in a potentially hostile world. An instance where this is evident occurs when Justin, a wealthy student at a predominantly white private school, expresses surprise after interacting with Keisha’s mostly Black Catholic school peers: “I’ve never felt this kind of Blackness before,” he says, expressing the relief and excitement of someone who has just lifted an unrecognized burden.

Similar to how another recent Blume adaptation, “Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret,” shows compassion towards its adult characters as well as the children, “Forever” does the same. It acknowledges and shares Dawn’s (Karen Pittman) worry when her son Justin drives at night, while also understanding his anger at her overprotection. It portrays Eric (Wood Harris), Justin’s father, yearning to see his son succeed where he couldn’t, all the while showing how Justin bears the weight of these expectations. The story also reflects Shelly’s (Xosha Roquemore) immense pride in her daughter Keisha, as well as the burden Keisha feels to uphold her mother’s idealized image of her. “Forever” understands that a genuine understanding of these children requires an appreciation of the influences, both loving and imperfect, that have molded them over time.

Expanding the storyline of “Forever” into eight hour-long episodes has brought about some challenges. Originally a shorter narrative, the timeline now spans approximately a year and a half, which results in an overly prolonged sequence of pushing and pulling apart the central couple, Cooper and Simone. Their individual acting is heartfelt, and their interactions during romantic moments such as FaceTime flirtations or intimate physical encounters are endearing. However, the repetitive scenes of one character blocking the other’s phone calls can become tiresome to watch, despite the strong chemistry between them.

After the two finally manage to sort out their issues, their longest lasting stretch of harmony passes by quickly, captured in a series of Instagram posts. This is a bit anticlimactic after all the time we’ve spent analyzing every chilly message or emotional dispute from their early days, and it takes away some of the emotional depth that Forever was intended to convey. Instead, we end up with a clearer understanding of what kept Keisha and Justin apart rather than what initially attracted them so strongly, of the relationship’s polished future rather than its deeper everyday experiences.

Regarding their interactions with other peers, it’s worth noting that Justin only has one casual acquaintance, portrayed by Niles Fitch, who sometimes invites him to social gatherings. Similarly, Keisha has just one best friend, represented by Ali Gallo, who is always there for her. Interestingly, in a seemingly intentional oversight for a series aiming to depict Justin and Keisha as fully developed characters, they appear to lack any significant social life beyond these relationships.

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Justin and Keisha each have one friend: Justin has a casual buddy played by Niles Fitch who invites him to parties occasionally, while Keisha’s best friend is Ali Gallo, who is always supportive. Surprisingly, for a series that strives to give Justin and Keisha depth, neither character seems to engage in much social activity outside of these relationships.

Stepping back and taking a broader view, it’s evident that despite any significant alterations or minor faults, Akil’s Forever continues to embody the core essence of its original source. Notably, Judy Blume wrote Forever… in response to her daughter’s desire for a tale featuring “two decent characters … engaging in sexual activity without either of them meeting an untimely death.” Over time, societal attitudes have shifted, making adolescent sexuality less of a social stigma than it once was. However, Blume’s novel still appears frequently on lists of the most frequently challenged books.

In a world that’s far from perfect, stories will always be essential that authentically capture the complexities of adolescence – love, passion, and all the mistakes that come with it. Stories that offer understanding rather than criticism, and provide room for personal growth at one’s own pace. Stories that show kindness in guiding young characters through their journey, allowing them to write their own narrative. Stories such as Blume’s Forever… have served this purpose for countless readers over the years, and Akil’s Forever has the potential to do so now for today’s audience, and perhaps for future generations as well.

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2025-05-08 10:27