May
Review: Forever – A Beautiful and Modern Reimagining of Judy Blume’s Classic
Review: Forever – A Beautiful, Modern Reimagining of Judy Blume’s Classic
Mara Brock Akil’s adaptation of Judy Blume’s 1975 novel Forever, about two high schoolers falling in love and navigating their first sexual relationship, brings new life to a story that has remained relevant—and often controversial—through the decades. While Blume’s original work was groundbreaking for its frank portrayal of teenage sexuality, Akil’s take, set in 2018 Los Angeles, emphasizes a more emotional and layered exploration of young love, family pressures, and the struggles of growing up as exceptional Black teens in today’s world.
The series stars Michael Cooper Jr. as Justin Edwards and Lovie Simone as Keisha Clark. The two meet at a New Year’s Eve party, where they reconnect after having gone to grade school together. Though Justin doesn’t initially recognize Keisha, he’s immediately drawn to her. Keisha, a dedicated student at a predominantly Black private school, is determined to earn a track scholarship to Howard University, while Justin, navigating life at a mostly white private school, is expected to follow in his mother’s footsteps to Northwestern University with hopes of landing a basketball scholarship. As they both approach senior year, an intense mutual attraction blossoms into a romance that shapes their lives in ways they hadn’t anticipated.
Akil and her team take their time with the relationship’s development, focusing not just on the “will-they-won’t-they” aspect but on the intricate and often awkward emotions that come with first love. The pacing, slow at times, might frustrate viewers looking for quick thrills or steamy moments, but the intention becomes clear: this isn’t just about the excitement of first love—it’s about how it feels, from the jittery nervousness to the pure joy of small moments shared between the couple. The camera lingers on intimate, simple actions—like the first brush of fingers or the quiet tension of waiting for a text reply—conveying the universal anxiety of youth: What are they really thinking?
The story avoids over-romanticizing the early physical encounters between Keisha and Justin, instead embracing their awkwardness and the reality of growing into sexual and emotional maturity. Blume’s original novel was known for its candid treatment of teen sexuality, but in Akil’s version, sex is part of the equation, not the driving force. The series highlights how Keisha and Justin are also burdened by the weight of their parents’ expectations. Both sets of parents are committed to seeing their children succeed in a world that often doesn’t make room for them. Keisha, for example, is so afraid of disappointing her mother, Shelly (Xosha Roquemore), who works tirelessly to pay for Keisha’s private school, that she hides an embarrassing experience with her ex-boyfriend. Justin’s family, while financially privileged—living in a large house with a pool and spending summers on Martha’s Vineyard—still wrestles with the reality that success isn’t guaranteed for their son, just because of their wealth. “You are a Black man in America,” his mother, Dawn (Karen Pittman), reminds him. “You need to be undeniable.”
While Forever is, at its core, about Justin and Keisha, Akil doesn’t neglect the powerful, often emotional role parents play in shaping their children’s lives. The portrayal of a successful, affluent Black family—where the Edwards clan navigates privilege with the understanding that their success is hard-won—is especially refreshing. Forever gives these parents depth, complexity, and agency, and their own stories are just as compelling as their children’s. Episode 5, “The Vineyard,” captures a moment of reconciliation between Justin and Keisha, but the joy of the family reunion, as they enjoy a day together on Martha’s Vineyard, provides a powerful emotional counterpoint to the tension and drama of the teens’ relationship.
Just like in Blume’s novel, the series is set against the nerve-wracking backdrop of senior year—an emotional and pivotal moment in a teenager’s life. But for Justin and Keisha’s parents, ensuring that their children get into a good college isn’t just a stepping stone to adulthood; it’s the culmination of generations of sacrifice. “You are a first,” Eric (Wood Harris) tells his son, Justin, in a poignant moment. “Your great-grandfather picked cotton.”
Akil also understands that first love is not just a rollercoaster for the teens involved—it’s a deep, transformative experience for their parents as well. Harris and Pittman shine as the Edwards, bringing warmth, humor, and complexity to their roles. Watching them embody characters who are loving, flawed, determined, and relatable feels like a privilege. Given how compelling their dynamic is, it’s easy to hope for a second season that delves further into their story.
As Keisha, Simone captures the essence of a young woman torn between responsibility and the dizzying joy of infatuation. She’s magnetic in every scene, making Keisha both grounded and giddily in love. Cooper Jr., in his breakout role, brings an authentic charm to Justin, portraying him as a shy, endearing oddball who gradually opens up to the possibility of love and personal growth. Together, they form a pair whose friendship and romance feels real, even when faced with the complexities of navigating first love and sexual discovery.
Though viewers familiar with Blume’s novel—or simply anyone who remembers adolescence—won’t be shocked by the eventual turn in Justin and Keisha’s relationship, Akil’s Forever is a poignant and refreshing reminder that young love isn’t just about the fleeting emotions of a crush, but the hard lessons learned along the way. As Dawn wisely tells Justin, “Sometimes love does the hard thing.” It’s bittersweet, but Akil’s adaptation offers more sweetness than bitterness in its portrayal of love, family, and the burdens—and beauty—of growing up.
Grade: B+
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