The beloved 1975 Judy Blume classic “Forever” exploded onto the screen in a full-fledged television series. This adaptation, which opens in theaters this Friday, is an exciting new adaptation that comes fifty years after the book’s release. Developed by Mara Brock Akil, the creative genius behind “Girlfriends,” “The Game” and “Being Mary Jane,” this comedic yet poignant series was a must-see. At its core, it digs into the complications of young love, race and parenthood in modern day America.
“Forever” tells the story of high school seniors Keisha and Justin, who navigate the exhilaration and challenges of their romantic relationship. One true thing about this novel is that it stirs up conflict constantly. Schools frequently exclude it from their curricula because it boldly addresses teenage sexuality and emotional issues. Regardless, it holds a pivotal place in most conversations about adolescent literature, not the least for how it brings to life true teenage angst.
Unlike many protagonists of series like this, Justin has privilege on his side — he lives in a giant hilltop villa that features a pool. Student’s family believes strongly in the importance of academic success, and puts a lot of pressure on their children. Justin’s parents, Eric and Dawn, are determined to provide their son — and daughter — with special needs every opportunity to succeed. They believe that the world is stacked against their success.
Keisha goes to a mostly Black private school. Her goal is to receive a track scholarship to Howard University. Shelly, her mother, works all night to pay for Keisha’s schooling. This dynamic forms a central theme of the series: the pressure young people face to meet their parents’ expectations and their own dreams.
As the series progresses, it delves more into the developing love story between Keisha and Justin. More importantly, it sheds light on the bigger social issues they are united in fighting against. Dawn, Justin’s mother, is one of the many faces of this fight — parenting a child in an often cruel society. Her wise response is to state the obvious — “Because you’re a Black man in America.” This declaration underlines the specific obstacles that Justin encounters due to his racial background.
The show’s story sufficiently weaves through the worlds of both teens and parents. It’s a beautiful exploration of how youthful passion challenges and changes the bonds of family. Shelly’s terror of letting Keisha down only ratchets up this complex web of hopes and fears, all demanding to be heard.
“It’s not easy getting these kids to the dream,” Dawn expresses, capturing the essence of parental concern in an environment that can often feel hostile toward Black youth.
The cast features talented actors Michael Cooper Jr. as Justin and Lovie Simone as Keisha, with Wood Harris portraying Eric and Karen Pittman as Dawn. Their performances bring depth to the characters, making their journeys relatable to audiences both familiar and unfamiliar with Blume’s original story.
By focusing on themes of race, class, and the trials of adolescence, the adaptation of “Forever” offers a fresh perspective on a classic tale. Love is messy, but beautiful just the same. These problems often reach farther than the specific couple.
