Judy Blume Forever is a 2023 American documentary film centered on author Judy Blume, directed by Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok. It premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, and was released on Prime Video on April 21, 2023.
Summary
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. It documents her trajectory from her upbringing in New Jersey to suburban housewife to famous novelist of young adult fiction. 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.
Cast
Judy Blume
Lena Dunham
Anna Konkle
Molly Ringwald
Samantha Bee
Mary H.K. Choi
Jacqueline Woodson
Alex Gino
Production
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. 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.
Release
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2023. It was released on Prime Video on April 21, 2023.
Reception
Kate Erbland of Indiewire gave the film a B+, writing that it provides "an edifying and rich overview of everything Judy." 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." Tim Grierson of Screen Daily called Blume "fun company" who "comes across as a warm, generous spirit."