Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
This fun and entertaining Documentary chronicles the life of trailblazing Novelist Judy Blume.
Blume’s novels have been beloved by millions around the globe. And it’s most likely that you picked up your first Blume book sometime in middle school. One of the titles might have been, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” “Blubber,” “Forever…,” or one of the many more. In each, it’s Blume’s honesty that makes us feel seen and understood. She’s unafraid to write frankly about puberty, menstruation, and sex along with the uncomfortableness we feel as tweens, teens and even adults.
Directors Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok place focus on their subject and some of her most celebrated works. In doing so, they expose both Blume’s personal and professional life. Their one-on-one interview with the exuberant 84-year-old Blume is, much like her novels, open and honest. Through each novel, Blume speaks of her inspiration and what was happening in her life at the time. By the time we come to the end, we’ve come to know her entire life story. One that’s inspiring and full of ups and downs.
Other interviewees are Molly Ringwald, Lena Dunham, Anna Konkle and Host of this year’s Canadian Screen Awards, Canada’s Samantha Bee All of which are massive fans of Blume. Their remarks show how influential her work was not only for novels but in reshaping minds. People like Bee and Konkle credit Blume for opening the door that they were able to pass through. The interviews that stand out the most in Judy Blume Forever are the ones from her fans.
We hear directly from people who have written to her through the decades. Letters Blume has repeatedly responded to and that went on for years. She keeps all the letters she’s received — some she even knows from memory — cherishing them to this day. It’s touching to see her reading a letter from a fan and then seeing the actual fan give their commentary on the impact she’s had on their lives.
Overall, this Documentary chronicles the life of an American Novelist who was unknowingly creating the YA genure before it even existed. And although her novels may feel dated to today’s audience (dial-up phones simply don’t exist anymore), they are timeless.
JUDY BLUME FOREVER will stream on Prime Video Canada starting Friday, April 21, 2023.
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