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If you thought the Netflix series Forever was uneventful or lacked in dramatic flair, it's probably because you're used to hyper-sexualised and unrealistic portrayals of teenagers in shows like Euphoria, Riverdale, Gossip Girl and many more.
In contrast, Forever offers a heartwarming depiction of adolescence that is remarkably accurate. It was genuinely captivating to witness young black love blossom in such a raw, authentic and relatable way.
I don't typically gravitate towards Young Adult romance narratives. I especially don't do it in my reading choices, but Forever, starring Michael Cooper Jr. as Justin Edwards, played with a compelling vulnerability. And Lovie Simone as Keisha Clark, whose journey was portrayed with a refreshing honesty, felt different.
This coming-of-age romance consistently brought a smile to my face in every episode, largely because I could easily relate to their experiences. The tendency to make simple situations more complicated than they need to be, the dramatic reaction to things that really wouldn't be worth getting upset about and the refreshing innocence with which they approached self-discovery felt unfiltered and true.
Seeing Justin, this endearingly awkward gentleman openly express his feelings and emotions was a breath of fresh air, as were those forehead kisses he delivered, as though he had invented them.
Equally commendable was Keisha's willingness to accept responsibility for her mistakes. Furthermore, the natural ease with which she took initiative in their relationship, even to the point of actively winning Justin back, a dynamic rarely seen and one that perhaps many women would rather die than try.
The series beautifully illustrates the crucial balance between guiding and sheltering children, while also allowing them the necessary space to make mistakes and learn from them.
Beyond the undeniable charm of their blossoming romance, Forever is the kind of series that I believe all parents should watch. It offers valuable insights and prompts significant reflection on how to effectively connect with teenagers navigating this pivotal phase of their lives.
In my view, effective communication is paramount. Yet many parents miss crucial opportunities to truly talk with their children, often talking at them instead or being unwilling to genuinely listen to their perspectives. So many of the challenges teenagers face can be overcome through clear, open communication.
This dynamic is also reflected in the often tumultuous on-again, off-again relationship between Justin and Keisha, which arguably suffered from a lack of clear communication and well-defined intentions.
The sheer number of times these two characters blocked and unblocked each other on their phones was almost enough to drive me to distraction! But isn’t that a quintessential element of teenage romance? The whirlwind of raging hormones and often unrealistic expectations? In a way, witnessing their journey healed my inner child, offering understanding and validation that is hard to express.
Seeing them ultimately part ways at the end to focus on their individual growth was bittersweet. Like so many first loves, their youthful promise of 'forever' carries a poignant weight, especially for adult viewers who understand that the dynamics of teenage romance can be the most fleeting phase in life's grand journey.
Stepping away from the main storyline and the captivating characters for a moment, can we please acknowledge the impeccable fashion choices throughout the series and the absolutely phenomenal playlist?
Every song was carefully chosen to perfectly complement the emotional tone and narrative cadence of each scene, creating moments of almost explosive impact.
And let's not even start discussing the emotional devastation when Moon River began to play during the final scene. My composure? Gone. Tears. Unstoppable.
This pain feels like a personal violation. How could they do this to us? Is there any chance, Netflix, that we could be blessed with a second season? Justin and Keisha should be given the chance to find their 'forever', whatever that may ultimately look like.
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