‘Forever’: A Journey of Love, Laughter, and the Afterlife

Seemingly overnight, everything changed. We passed on, left this mortal playground. Suddenly, I found myself standing alongside both of my deceased spouses, faced with the daunting task of determining my everlasting dwelling place. The thought that haunts most human minds is, “What becomes of us after life fades?” Despite the attribution of various interpretations given by scholars and diverse religion, certainty of what awaits us only comes when we cross over. Various cinematic presentations provide unique perspectives on what comes after, but few have been as moving and delightfully humorous as the latest film premiere this week, ‘Forever’.

The film ‘Forever’ introduces us to Larry and Joan, a pair who have weathered the ups and downs of marriage for over six decades. Their enduring relationship, characterized by petty squabbles and the joy of a growing number of descendants, is abruptly interrupted when Larry aspirates a pretzel and finds himself facing the bewildering unknown of the afterlife. Suddenly lost and uncertain, Larry finds himself guided into a middle ground of existence, providing an initial glimpse into the world that follows death.

But the existence Larry finds beyond life is not quite what he envisioned. It is an astonishing sight to behold when he discovers that his ‘in-between’ state remarkably mirrors a hotel, featuring a massive exhibition hall dotted with trade show booths, offering a variety of choices for his everlasting sojourn. Transforming into the physical manifestation of his happiest earthbound self, Larry meets his designated Afterlife Coordinator, Anna, who informs him he has a week to settle on his eternal fate.

Meanwhile, Larry’s wife Joan battles a dreaded cancer, compelling Larry’s urgent need to ensure his choice of eternal location will accommodate Joan’s imminent arrival. Delivering on her promise to join him, Joan appears a week later, bringing along her own confusions. However, her feelings of disorientation are amplified by an unexpected twist; the arrival of her first husband, Luke, who had fallen in the Korean War.

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery, Joan is now thrust into a difficult decision. Caught between her past and present love, she must decide quickly with whom and where she will spend the rest of time. ‘Forever’, on its surface, is a heartfelt, spiritual journey sprinkled with fluctuating complexities and stubborn comedic touches. It builds a colourful portrayal of certain possibility but still keeps its feet grounded on its main premise, exploiting the impressive comedic skills of the actors.

Larry and Joan have shared a whole lifetime building their love story, but the idea of spending the rest of eternity together seems like an unwelcome extension of their shared irritation. While Luke represents a young love lost early, Larry portrays a love experienced over years. With two such diverse forms of love, bringing two very different kinds of happiness, picking one outcome becomes an impossible task for Joan.

Breaking free from the traditional romantic comedies, the lead characters bring to life a unique plot infused with themes borrowed from similar thought-provoking movies like ‘Defending Your Life’ and ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’. The high-reaching layout of the production mixed with a deeply personal touch takes the viewers on a trip through exciting exhibits resembling places such as Celebrity Land, Capitalist Land, Paris Land, and various exquisite beach and mountain retreats at the limbo convention floor.

The infinite imagination behind the film’s universe, created to illustrate a ‘what if’ scenario, unfolds in creatively surprising ways. Just when Larry and Luke’s competitiveness for Joan’s affections becomes a bit stifling, enter Anna and her comrade from the afterlife coordination team to add a fresh element to the storyline. While it may appear to viewers that Joan’s choice is straightforward, Anna and her partner are there to steer the plot back into untraveled territories.

Anna in particular deserves special mention. Dominating every scene she graces, she manipulates the narrative with sharp humor and a cheeky disregard for the imaginary boundary of the fourth wall. ‘Forever’ rarely deviates from its main intent—the emphasis on the repercussions of decisions made during life. The examination of regret, trauma and loss is given primacy over difficult choices.

Juxtaposing hilarious moments with poignant insights into the lives of Joan, Larry, and Luke, the movie paints a both chaotic and captivating love triangle. The unwavering commitment to the characters and their emotional journey increases its appeal. There’s never a dull moment, thanks to the regular intervention of curveballs of unexpected humor and sorrow in its theology-rooted storyline.

This wonderfully layered narrative called ‘Forever’, captures the audience’s imagination with an engaging mix of romance, humor, and philosophical reflections. As life becomes an eternity, the film never tires of maintaining its focus on the characters’ well-being. From laughter to tears and everything in between, it delves deep into each character’s emotional landscape and helps us navigate the joyous and heartrending corners of their existence.