5 Irresistible Reasons You Can’t Miss Mara Brock Akil’s ‘Forever’ on Netflix

Published 05/04/2025, 11:29 PM EDT

Step into a world where first love blooms under the golden California sun, turning LA streets into an emotional playground. This modern-day gem brings all the feels, is relatable, is beautiful, and is seriously binge-worthy. With a cast that clicks instantly and an Oscar-winning director behind the lens, every moment hits just right. It is not just pretty to look at; it is packed with heart, depth, and a love story that feels both timeless and totally now. One watch will not be enough.

As first love collides with golden-hour magic and soul-deep storytelling, Forever is not just something you watch; it is something you feel. It is not your typical teen romance, and here is why: 5 reasons to watch it.

A modern twist on a classic love story

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Dive into 2018 Los Angeles, where Keisha Clark and Justin Edwards redefine teen romance with smartphone swipes and digital heartbeats. This contemporary reimagining of Judy Blume's 1975 novel pulses with today's social media pressures, identity quests, and adolescent anxieties that would make even Shakespeare frantically take notes. The timeless, butterfly-stomach feelings of first love collide spectacularly with modern complications, creating a narrative that feels both nostalgically familiar and refreshingly current, like finding your childhood diary with surprisingly relevant life advice.

And while the story itself is magnetic, it is the cast that breathes soul into every beat, bringing chemistry and raw emotion to every glance and pause.

Star-studded cast that shines brighter than Hollywood boulevard

The screen practically sizzles with Lovie Simone embodying Keisha Clark, whose athletic prowess on the track is matched only by her determination to sprint toward a future beyond high school expectations. Michael Cooper Jr. brings intellectual athlete Justin Edwards to life that jumps off the screen faster than popcorn in a hot microwave. Karen Pittman and Wood Harris deliver knockout performances as Justin's parents, while Xosha Roquemore and Barry Shabaka Henley round out this stellar ensemble as Keisha's mother and grandfather, each character more captivating than the last.

As the characters come to life, it is Regina King behind the lens who turns this ensemble drama into visual poetry fans will feel in thir bones.

Regina King's oscar-worthy direction elevates every frame

When an Oscar-winning filmmaker like Regina King takes the director's chair for the pilot, viewers should buckle up for an emotional rollercoaster built by a master engineer. King handles every scene like a pro, blending soft, emotional moments with just the right amount of drama to make even critics tear up. Her storytelling prowess transforms teenage glances into visual poetry and awkward silences into profound statements, creating television so emotionally authentic it practically reaches through the screen and grabs hearts.

And while the storytelling hits all the right notes, it is Los Angeles itself that provides the melody; the city is as much a character as the teens falling in love.

Los Angeles becomes a character you will fall for

The City of Angels does not just provide pretty backdrops; it infuses every frame with sun-drenched vibrancy that pulses like a heartbeat beneath the narrative. These diverse neighborhoods serve as emotional weather reports, reflecting our characters' inner journeys with the subtlety of a mood ring that actually works. From bustling urban corners to quiet suburban retreats, LA's cultural tapestry becomes inextricably woven into the love story, creating an atmosphere so tangible viewers might just check their weather apps for California sunshine after binging episodes.

Amid the glitz and glamour, the show’s heart beats with a universal truth, a coming-of-age story with extra soul.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Universal themes with fresh perspective that hits different

Added to Netflix's treasure trove, Forever tackles growing up in a fresh way, bringing much-needed representation to the coming-of-age genre, like updating a classic recipe with the ingredients it always needed. Black teen romance takes center stage, exploring how first love navigates the obstacle course of social expectations, family dynamics, and self-discovery. The series crafts a narrative so universally human yet distinctly authentic that viewers from all walks of life will find pieces of their own stories reflected back, just with better lighting and cleverer dialogue.

Celebrate the Beautiful Life and Work of Pope Francis With This Heartwarming Documentary on Netflix

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What do you think of the upcoming series? Will you stream it? Let us know in the comments below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Shraddha

414 articles

Shraddha is a content chameleon with 3 years of experience, expertly juggling entertainment and non-entertainment writing, from scriptwriting to reporting. Having penned over 2,000 articles, she’s covered everything from Hollywood’s glitzy drama to the latest pop culture trends. With a knack for telling stories that keep readers hooked, Shraddha thrives on dissecting celebrity scandals and cultural moments.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK