The documentary covers the life, career, and legacy of Judy Blume, including her experiences with some of her books being banned, and the current state of free speech in the United States.[2] It documents her trajectory from her upbringing in New Jersey to suburban housewife to famous novelist of young adult fiction.[3] It includes new interviews with Blume, as well as past talk show appearances, archival photographs, and testimonials about Blume's impact from actors Lena Dunham, Molly Ringwald, and Anna Konkle, comedian Samantha Bee, authors Mary H.K. Choi and Jacqueline Woodson, Blume's two children, and adult women who corresponded with Blume when they were teens.[1][4]
While on a road trip with her husband and kids, Davina Pardo listened to an audiobook version of Judy Blume's young adult novel Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and became curious about Blume's life.[5] When directors Pardo and Leah Wolchok approached Blume in June 2018 about being the subject of a documentary, she was initially hesitant. In February 2020, she agreed, but filming was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[1][5][6]
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 95% of 59 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.8/10. The website's consensus reads: "An entertaining look back at an influential author's career, Judy Blume Forever lovingly contextualizes her literary legacy."[7]Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 79 out of 100, based on 16 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[8]
Kate Erbland of Indiewire gave the film a B+, writing that it provides "an edifying and rich overview of everything Judy."[4] Guy Lodge of Variety called it "a lively, affectionate documentary tribute" in which "nostalgia for that sense of formative discovery is balanced by a present-tense exploration of Blume’s enduring popularity, resonance and controversy."[9] Tim Grierson of Screen Daily called Blume "fun company" who "comes across as a warm, generous spirit."[10]
