Forever Evolving: Netflix’s Modern Take on a Controversial Classic

Judy Blume’s "Forever…" ignited a firestorm of debate upon its 1975 release. The young adult novel fearlessly explored the complexities of first love, sexual exploration, consent, and even touched upon mental health – topics considered taboo for young readers at the time. Its candid portrayal of teenage sexuality led to widespread criticism, bans, and accusations of being too sexually explicit.

Now, nearly 50 years later, "Forever…" has been reimagined as a Netflix series, entering a cultural landscape far more open to discussing sex and relationships in media. This adaptation, helmed by Mara Brock Akil, offers a fresh perspective on Blume’s classic, centering on a contemporary Black cast and exploring themes of identity, race, class, and societal expectations alongside the familiar narrative of navigating first love and sexual experiences.

Brock Akil’s "Forever" is a loose adaptation, retaining the core spirit of Blume’s novel while introducing significant changes to plot points, character details, and setting. Katherine and Michael, the protagonists of the book, are reborn as Keisha (played by Lovie Simone) and Justin (played by Michael Cooper Jr.). The setting shifts from New Jersey to the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles. Crucially, both Keisha and Justin are Black, and their experiences navigating predominantly white schools – particularly Justin’s – become a central theme woven throughout the series.

The series delves into the nuances of growing up Black in predominantly white environments, capturing a reality often overlooked in mainstream media. As Nadira Goffe, a Black culture writer for Slate, notes, "Other shows have tried to showcase this nuanced experience of growing up Black in a white environment, but none have succeeded as pitch-perfectly as Forever does." This cultural lens adds depth and complexity to the story, highlighting the unique challenges and triumphs faced by young Black individuals as they grapple with identity, acceptance, and navigating a world that often feels designed for others.

The eight-episode format of the Netflix series allows for a more expansive exploration of the characters’ lives and the issues they face than the relatively concise 230-page novel could accommodate. Unlike the book, which is told solely from Katherine’s perspective, the series offers a dual narrative, giving viewers insight into both Justin and Keisha’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The series also delves deeper into their family lives, friendships, and the communities they belong to.

Class, a subtle undercurrent in Blume’s novel, becomes a more prominent theme in the adaptation. Justin’s family is portrayed as affluent, enjoying summers on Martha’s Vineyard, while Keisha’s single mother struggles financially to make ends meet. This disparity in economic backgrounds adds another layer of complexity to their relationship, highlighting the different privileges and challenges they face.

While many elements are altered, the adaptation retains key aspects of the original story. Awkward sexual experiences, the intoxicating thrill of first love, and the brief connection between the main characters’ friends remain. In the book, Katherine and Michael’s friends, Erica and Artie, attempt to date, but Artie’s struggles with his sexuality and subsequent suicide attempt prevent it from progressing. While the series omits the storyline of Artie’s struggles, it still embraces candid conversations about mental health. Keisha openly shares her past experiences with depression before transferring schools, and later, she and her mother find healing through therapy.

The series cleverly translates the essence of Blume’s novel for a modern audience. The letter-writing chapters, a hallmark of the book, are replaced by the anxieties of waiting for a text reply and the modern-day drama of blocking and unblocking on social media. In a humorous nod to contemporary online behavior, Justin even enlists his friends to launch a #UnblockJustin campaign to win back Keisha’s attention after a falling out. Their eventual reconciliation is framed through the lens of popular music, with the characters expressing their feelings through lyrics from Daft Punk and Tyler, The Creator.

The adaptation tackles the pressing issue of revenge porn and sextortion, a reality sadly prevalent in today’s digital age. Keisha experiences a profound crisis after her ex-boyfriend shares a sex tape they made, leading to humiliation, social ostracization, and a forced transfer to a more expensive school. Her reputation among former peers, Justin’s initial missteps in understanding the gravity of the situation, and the resurfacing of her ex-boyfriend all contribute to significant conflict and tension in their relationship.

For those familiar with Blume’s book, the infamous nickname "Ralph," affectionately used by Michael to refer to his genitals, makes a brief but memorable appearance in the series. Brock Akil explained to The New York Times that she retained "Ralph" as a gesture of gratitude to Blume "for her blessing to translate the book."

Ultimately, the Netflix adaptation remains true to the spirit of Blume’s book in its portrayal of the complexities of coming into sexuality without judgment. Keisha and Justin navigate parental expectations, technological hiccups, and their own insecurities as they approach their first sexual encounter. The experience is portrayed as awkward at times, but ultimately human.

Blume originally wrote the book for her daughter, aiming to create a story where teenagers could fall in love and have sex without their lives being irrevocably ruined. In the book, Katherine visits Planned Parenthood to access birth control. In the series, Justin engages in a crucial conversation with his father about contraception, complete with a memorable cucumber demonstration.

As in Blume’s novel, the adaptation concludes with Keisha and Justin parting ways, despite their initial dreams of "forever." After spending a summer apart, they realize that their paths are diverging. While Justin’s mother envisions him attending a prestigious college to pursue basketball and a lucrative career, Keisha helps him recognize his true passion for music. The pair separate on amicable terms, acknowledging that they have different futures ahead. In the final scene, Keisha is embarking on her journey to Howard University, while Justin is saving up for a gap year to pursue his musical aspirations.

Brock Akil’s adaptation of "Forever…" is not simply a retelling of Blume’s classic. It is a thoughtful and timely exploration of love, identity, and the challenges of growing up in a complex and ever-changing world. By centering on Black characters and addressing issues of race, class, and mental health, the series offers a fresh and nuanced perspective on a story that continues to resonate with young audiences today. It’s a reminder that "forever" may not always be what we expect, but that the journey of self-discovery and growth is a beautiful and worthwhile endeavor in itself.