Warning: Spoilers ahead for the Netflix series “Forever”
This year I turned 25, and lots of changes ensued from turning a quarter century, including my foray into the dating scene. In a world of self-proclaimed dating coaches and extremely specific relationship do’s and don’ts, I was hesitant to enter the world of romance. The complexities of modern relationships, coupled with the fear of being played made the idea daunting. However, watching Netflix’s “Forever” ignited a spark within me that I didn’t know existed.
A Modern Take on a Classic Tale
Black showrunner Mara Brock Akil is the visionary behind Netflix’s newest teen drama series, “Forever.” The show is a reimagining of Judy Blume’s 1975 novel of the same name, which follows a young girl’s experience with her first love. The show, however, is a modern twist on the story shown through the lens of two Black teens, Keisha Clark (played by Lovie Simone) and Justin Edwards (played by Michael Cooper Jr.). The two navigate young love in 2018. “Forever” delves deep into their journey, exploring themes of sex, identity, and the challenges of being a young Black person in love amidst societal and familial pressures.
Leaning on My Community
One of the most interesting aspects of “Forever” was the differences in Keisha and Justin’s families and economic statuses. Raised in a single-parent household, Keisha is a driven young woman who feels a lot of pressure. On the other hand, Justin is a more sheltered teen from a wealthy background. In spite of their familial differences, the pair both lean on their community to help them navigate their relationship woes.
Keisha candidly opens up to her mother about an intimate video of her being plastered on the internet without her consent. At the same time, Justin gets help from both his dad and mom about sexual protection and more. Their tribe showcased to me the importance of leaning on my community, whether it be my parents, mentors or my friends. A relationship, especially a romantic one, isn’t just between two people. Navigating the nuances of Black love takes authenticity, growth and understanding.
Embracing Exploring Sexuality
One of the most shocking aspects of “Forever” is its honest portrayal of teenage intimacy. The series doesn’t shy away from depicting the awkwardness and vulnerability that come with first experiences. However, as a 25-year-old, I’m here to say that intimacy isn’t one size fits all. Surprisingly enough, sometimes that awkwardness and uncertainty around intimacy doesn’t leave- and that’s a good thing. This authenticity reminded me that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength—trial and error with intimate moments is a necessary component of genuine connection.
The Lessons in Letting Go
The series concludes with Keisha and Justin parting ways to pursue their individual dreams. Keisha heads to Howard University while Justin explores his passion for music. Their separation was not received well by the audience, partly because their love was so healthy. But, there’s something refreshing, and bittersweet about an amicable breakup. Keisha and Justin’s separation highlights the importance of personal growth and the understanding that not all relationships are meant to last forever, but each leaves an indelible mark.
Embracing the Uncertainty of Love
The young couple’s journey changed my perspective on the uncertainty surrounding dating. Sometimes, I find myself restrained while getting to know someone, because I’m trying to envision the future of the relationship. As a woman that is beyond her teenage years but not yet fully-formed into a seasoned woman, I fear making the wrong choices in dating. For example, how vulnerable should I be with a person that may not stick around? Or, when things are going well in the relationship, when will the other shoe drop?
However, I realized how much joy I felt watching Keisha and Justin’s relationship, form, unfold, grow, and ultimately fade. While watching the series, I laughed, cried with both happy and bittersweet tears. Although I was hurt to see their relationship come to an end, I enjoyed the ride. It brought back the butterfly, child-like feelings surrounding dating, falling in love, and even having an innocent crush. Keisha and Justin’s story served as a reminder that love, in all its forms, is a transformative experience. It encouraged me to embrace the uncertainties of dating and open my heart to new possibilities. Ultimately it influenced me to view each connection as an opportunity for growth, not a challenge to overcome.
A Call to Action
“Forever” isn’t just a series; it’s a narrative that challenges Black people, women especially, to uphold healthy examples of love.
Since the release of the show, tons of Black women have flooded social media to share how “Forever” healed their outlook on Black love. TikTok user @Big Teezus posted a clip expressing how the show made her realize she needs to watch calmer mediums about romance.
“So we all had the same thoughts? This show had no trauma in it. They ate in every aspect,” one person commented under the video.
Other videos, like this TikTok from @Dominique Davillier echo the same sentiment. Davillier explains in her post how “Forever” has the best representation of Blackness since Issa Rae’s “Insecure.”
“Very important story for black youth and just black people in general, like as a full grown adult I truly enjoyed that show,” a user commented.
For me, “Forever” served as a catalyst, inspiring me to step out of my comfort zone. Perhaps the show prompted me to step into the nostalgia, joy, and curiosity of dating. Re-engaging with the world of dating, I now feel armed with newfound confidence and perspective.