Sunday, April 23, 2023

'Judy Blume Forever' A Review

Judy Blume Forever is a documentary about the life and career of the titular author. Through archival footage, talking head interviews from the subject herself as well as friends, authors, and readers her life, work, and influence are explored.

Not only are the details of her life interesting but more so the spirit and reach of her work which becomes clear very rapidly(even for those who may be unfamiliar with her). These themes are empathy, honesty, and above all perhaps information for adolescence in-and-around puberty. The practical and accepting way she approached some of the more taboo subjects as well as the compassion the young characters were given were utterly unique at the time. She paved the way for the YA genre giving legions of children in that in-between age something to connect to, something specifically for them. As someone who read Then Again Maybe I Won't to further understand my own experience and Are You There God It's Me Margaret? to attempt to peak behind the gender curtain I can speak to not only her readability but her uniqueness. The genre has exploded since Blume, since the 90s in particular, but her books remain relevant and insightful, if in some respects dated(which the doc addresses).

Like the subject herself the film doesn't shy away from either problems Blume has had in life, those that have arisen around her work, or her virtually career long fight against book banning(now seeing an unsurprising resurgence). But it doesn't wallow in the negative instead focusing on the journey, on moving through, on progress weaving in the books themselves, Blume's life, and the lives of the readers her work inspired(and in some cases saved) into a beautiful and undeniable portrait of a singular artist.

Powerful, tranquil, utterly moving. A long overdue celebration of a literary icon.

Currently streaming on Prime.

Don't Miss It.

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