Forever Review: A Sensitive and Sweet Take on Judy Blume’s Banned Teen Sex Classic
A recent resurgence in book banning in the US has seen Judy Blume’s 1975 novel Forever…, about teenage sex and desire, continue to be banned by school districts and libraries. The Netflix adaptation of Blume’s novel, which loses the ellipsis, is a timely and important take on the classic, bringing the story to a new medium and a new generation.
According to an article in The Guardian, Blume noted that book banning was "much worse" than she had noticed during the 1980s, highlighting the ongoing issue of censorship in the US. The Netflix series, created by Girlfriends showrunner Mara Brock Akil, is a sensitive and winningly sweet adaptation that maintains the spirit of the novel while treating it as loose inspiration. The show’s central love story is now between two black students, Justin (Michael Cooper Jr) and Keisha (Lovie Simone), set in Los Angeles, rather than New Jersey.
The series explores themes of class, gender, mental health, and privilege, without being too heavy-handed. The show shifts between the two leads’ perspectives, asking mature questions about their attraction and relationship. As The Guardian notes, "Their attraction is instant but they are navigating teen angst together and as individuals, and they don’t yet know themselves, never mind each other." Justin has ADHD and struggles to stick to the academic path his mother, in particular, is keen for him to pursue; Keisha’s ex-boyfriend has shared a video of them engaging in a sexual act, leaving her to be shamed by her peers.
One notable scene in the series shows Keisha explaining the consequences to her ex-boyfriend who has ruined her school life. The Guardian praises the show for finding the "sweet spot" in its portrayal of teenage life, avoiding both softening the blow and overdoing it. The show’s portrayal of sex and relationships is also noteworthy, with The Guardian noting that "sex both is and isn’t the point" in the series. The characters’ use of smartphones and access to the internet makes their exploration of sex and relationships feel true to their age and environments.
The performances in the series are excellent, with The Guardian highlighting Karen Pittman and Xosha Roquemore as the mothers. The show’s teenagers also "actually look and behave like teenagers," a credit to the casting and writing. As The Guardian notes, "It’s a romantic melodrama, so their young love is at the centre of this show’s world, but to its credit for an older viewer, it comes across as knowing and self-aware too."
In conclusion, the Netflix adaptation of Forever is a welcome take on Judy Blume’s classic novel. With its sensitive and sweet portrayal of teenage life, relationships, and sex, it is a timely and important addition to the conversation around teen drama and censorship. As The Guardian concludes, "Forever is, like, low-key adorable, too."
The series is available to stream on Netflix.
Source: The Guardian
