Judy Blume wrote about preteens like no other. The author wasn’t afraid of getting into risqué territory, with her novels addressing themes like sex and menstruation with an ease that was unheard of at the time they were published. Her raw outlook on the coming-of-age experience led to some of her books even getting banned across the country. Forever — one of Blume’s classic stories — may have been initially released in 1975, but just last year it was removed from public school libraries in Utah.
This only goes to show that 50 years after its release, the YA romance novel still sparks conversation and will likely continue to resonate with viewers through its new Netflix adaptation. The series, created by Mara Brock Akil (best known for her show Girlfriends), expands on its source material by providing a nuanced depiction of first love within the digital era. In the span of eight episodes, some directed by the likes of Regina King and Anthony Hemingway, Forever examines what it means to have a deep connection with someone outside of family for the first time, as well as social media’s impact on maintaining a relationship during someone’s most formative years.
What Is ‘Forever’ About?
Set in 2018 Los Angeles, the series starts off with Justin Edwards (Michael Cooper Jr.) asking for his parents’ permission to attend a New Year’s Eve party his best friend has invited him to. Although his parents’ immediate response is to interrogate him on the slightest details of the outing, they eventually allow him to go. Upon arrival, Justin locks eyes with Keisha Clark (Lovie Simone), a girl he used to study with but with whom he had lost touch. Now that they’ve both hit puberty, their former friendship makes way for mutual attraction. When the countdown begins, they sneak into a closet and kiss for the first time as the clock turns midnight.
Despite their fairytale-esque rekindling, nothing is as easy as it seems. When the couple’s first date results in Justin getting his number and Insta handle blocked by Keisha, he must come up with a plan to win her back. His attempt to make amends leads to an on-again, off-again cycle between the two characters. Much like Connell and Marianne in Normal People, the main couple have their setbacks, but always seem to find a way back to each other. Still, the Netflix original poses the following question: Will their first love last forever, or will it dissolve by graduation?
You’ll Root for Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. in ‘Forever’
Regardless of the answer, Forever‘s Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. make it hard not to root for Justin and Keisha’s romance to withstand the test of time. Both actors embody their respective roles, which benefits their undeniable onscreen chemistry. Justin isn’t a jock, nor is he a bad boy, but instead a sentimental teen with a learning disability whose passions are playing basketball and making music. He also struggles to pinpoint what he wants to do for the rest of his life, despite his mother Dawn’s (played by Karen Pittman) best efforts to convince him to attend the university she went to. Keisha is an ambitious athlete who continues to maintain her academic excellence in the hopes of scoring a full ride to Howard University. Since she’s witnessed her single mom scramble to make ends meet throughout her life, what she wants more than anything is to show that her mother’s efforts paid off.
When it comes to Justin and Keisha’s relationship, it is evident that the two bring out the best in each other. Justin is finally able to focus on his studies and Keisha can move on from a damning video of her online that almost threatened her chances at a bright future. But with their high school graduation drawing near, the cracks in their relationship become glaringly noticeable. Simone and Cooper Jr.’s performances help inform the viewer of their characters’ personal growth as well as their devotion towards each other. In the same way that their natural chemistry helps to make their intense connection believable, the actors also thrive whenever they are alone onscreen. In these moments, they hone in on their characters’ inner thoughts and emotions.
‘Forever’ Offers Thoughtful Representation and Heartwarming Family Dynamics
Although the main duo is the series’ driving force, what makes Forever an irresistible watch is its thoughtful representation. It’s rare to see Black-led love stories in a high school setting, especially with the level of care and tenacity that Brock Akil pours into this production. The show makes sure to depict Justin and Keisha as teenagers with their own set of complexities. To understand them fully, viewers are given the opportunity to observe their interactions with their respective families. The instances in which the main couple spends time with loved ones at home are just as charming as the moments where their romance unfolds. Instead of resorting to overused stereotypes, the series emphasizes the beauty of Black love, both through a romantic and familial lens.
Forever‘s soundtrack, interwoven with Gary Gunn’s score, also furthers the series’ immersive viewing experience. With tunes from the likes of Travis Scott and Tyler, the Creator, the music sets the stage for Justin and Keisha’s coming-of-age journeys. Michael “Cambio” Fernandez‘s cinematography adds a layer of warmth to the adaptation, capturing the vibrancy of LA and the tenderness of first love.
As a whole, Brock Akil skillfully translates Blume’s novel for the present-day by tackling the effects of social media on present-day youth, while maintaining the essence of the source material through an evocative depiction of Justin and Keisha’s on-and-off romance. Its thoughtful representation allows the series to resonate with viewers who have yet to see such a dense, detail-oriented approach to Black YA love stories onscreen. Hopefully, Forever‘s release might inspire more romance productions in a similar vein.
Forever is now available to stream on Netflix.
Review
Forever
Mara Brock Akil translates Judy Blume’s beloved novel to the digital age in a remarkable YA series.
- Genre
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Drama, Romance
- Language
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English
- Debut Date
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May 8, 2025
- The series offers an insightful look at how relationships are impacted by social media.
- Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. have a natural chemistry, and their performances help to show character development.
- Brock Akil is attentive to bringing thoughtful representation of Black love, in the contexts of romance and family.
- The soundtrack and the cinematography help to make the series immersive.
