"Forever" is a modern melanin flavored spin on a classic novel

Television guru Mara Brock Akil brings her creative vision to Netflix with an adaptation of the legendary author Judy Blume's 1975 novel "Forever..." The miniseries, a celebration of diversity, features a talented cast and creative team, including directors Regina King, Reina King, Thembi Banks, and Anthony Hemingway, and writers Akil, Autumn Joy Jimerson, and Anthony Hemingway.

While the themes of first love and teenage sexuality remain central to the plot, several changes from the source material occur. Set in 2018 in Los Angeles, the series follows basketball star Justin Edwards (Michael Cooper Jr.) and track prodigy Keisha Clark (Lovie Simone) as they navigate their budding romance amidst social and parental pressures.

Unlike his best friend Darius (Niles Finch), Justin struggles with his confidence regarding the opposite sex. His overbearing mother, Dawn (Karen Pittman), and his laid-back dad, Eric (Wood Harris), add to his internal conflict. Despite his family's high expectations, Justin is on a journey to find his path.

On the other hand, Keisha is more of a free spirit. Although she recently broke up with her boyfriend, Christian (Xavier Mills), she has a strong support system in her mother, Shelly (Xosha Roquemore), her grandfather, George (Barry Shabaka Henley), her best friend, Chloe (Ali Gallo), and numerous cousins.

I haven't read the source material; however, I've always been a fan of Judy Blume and still hold "Freckle Juice" and the "Fudge" series in high regard. Furthermore, I've always been a fan of Mara Brock Akil, so I was curious to see what she did with the material.

From the onset, it's clear that Akil wants to deliver a love letter to the City of Angels and an authentic and timely tale of first love. We meet Justin first, and from the moment Michael Cooper Jr. appears on screen, he has star appeal. The actor quickly taps into Justin's teen angst of uncertainty about life and trying to please everyone.

Karen Pittman and Wood Harris deliver natural performances as his parents, and their relationship feels authentic. However, the show's strength lies in the chemistry between Cooper and Lovie Simone. From their first meeting through all the facets of their relationship, I fell in love with both characters, as I saw so much of myself in them.

I noticed that Justin is shy and seems unsure of the right words to say when talking to the opposite sex. In contrast, Keisha reminds me of when I used music on a voicemail to apologize to someone. Lovie Simone brings a refreshing aura to Keisha, who recognizes something special in Justin but is afraid to let her guard down.

The show wisely focuses on the lead characters, allowing the rest of the cast to serve as background players. However, no one feels wasted, and there are great moments involving the talent who portrays Justin and Keisha's inner circle, to which almost anyone can relate.

I want to inform potential viewers that the show explores the sexual dynamics of Justin and Keisha's budding romance. However, it is handled tastefully and never crosses into the territory of shows like "Euphoria" or "Kids".

Featuring two earnest performances from its leads, "Forever" is a superb examination of youthful black love.

Final Grade: A

"Forever" is available to stream today on Netflix.