Review of Forever (2025) – A Thought-Provoking and Emotional Exploration of Life, Love, and Immortality on Netflix

Forever (2025), the latest offering from Netflix, is a genre-defying series that combines elements of sci-fi, romance, and drama, exploring the profound questions of existence, love, and immortality. With a unique narrative structure and a deep dive into the human psyche, Forever captures the essence of what it means to live, love, and grow, no matter the passage of time. The series' innovative use of vocal media storytelling provides an immersive and intimate connection to its characters, making the exploration of eternal life feel surprisingly grounded and emotionally relatable.

Plot and Premise

At the heart of Forever is a remarkable premise: a man, Henry (played by Thomas Mann), finds himself mysteriously trapped in an unending cycle of life. After an accident, he discovers that he is cursed—or blessed—with immortality, unable to die or grow older, no matter what happens. As Henry navigates this endless existence, the series explores his internal conflict, his evolving relationships, and the existential questions that come with living through centuries of time.

In addition to Henry’s personal journey, the show focuses on his relationships with those around him, including the woman he loves, Eleanor (played by Florence Pugh), who, unlike him, ages naturally. Their love story is at the heart of the narrative, as Henry’s inability to age or die creates an emotional distance between them. Over time, their connection becomes complicated as Eleanor struggles with the inevitability of aging and mortality, while Henry is forced to confront the eternal weight of his own existence.

The series explores the highs and lows of their relationship, as well as the impact of immortality on Henry’s emotional well-being. Henry’s immortality becomes a curse that he can’t escape, as he witnesses the world change, the people he loves grow old, and the passage of time slowly erode the things that matter most to him. Forever is not just a love story but a meditation on life, the value of human experience, and the grief of watching the world around you move forward while you remain stagnant.

Vocal Media Storytelling: A New Layer of Intimacy

One of the most striking features of Forever is its innovative use of vocal media storytelling. This technique allows viewers to hear Henry’s inner thoughts, frustrations, and reflections as he processes the complexities of living forever. Through voiceovers, the audience gets a rare look into the emotional and psychological toll of immortality, which grounds the more fantastical aspects of the story in real human emotions.

Henry’s voiceovers often serve as a poignant contrast to his outward behavior. While he may appear composed and functional on the surface, his inner monologue reveals the weight of his existence—his loneliness, confusion, and longing for a life he can never fully experience. These intimate moments of reflection are a powerful way to connect the audience to the character, allowing viewers to feel the emotional pain and isolation that comes with immortality.

In addition to Henry, other characters in Forever also benefit from the vocal media approach. Eleanor’s voiceovers provide insight into her own internal struggles as she grapples with her love for Henry and the inevitable passage of time. Her reflections allow the audience to better understand her emotional journey, making her relationship with Henry feel more complex and authentic.

The vocal media technique is not just a narrative device but a way of humanizing the fantastical elements of the story. It brings a new depth to the characters, enabling viewers to experience their struggles and desires in a more visceral way. The voiceovers create an emotional bridge between the audience and the characters, making the fantastical elements of immortality feel relatable and grounded.

Themes of Love, Loss, and Immortality

At its core, Forever is a show about love and loss—two themes that are universally understood but take on new dimensions when intertwined with immortality. Henry’s eternal life forces him to watch the world around him change in ways that are both beautiful and heartbreaking. The love story between Henry and Eleanor is deeply moving, but it is also filled with a constant sense of sorrow. As time passes, Eleanor ages, while Henry remains unchanged, creating an emotional divide that neither of them can bridge. Their love becomes increasingly complicated, as Eleanor feels the strain of knowing she will eventually leave Henry behind, while Henry is consumed with the despair of never truly experiencing a normal life.

The show also explores the psychological toll of immortality. Henry’s ability to live forever seems like a gift at first, but as the centuries wear on, it becomes clear that there is a cost to eternal life. He begins to witness the loss of people he cares about, the degradation of cultures, and the erosion of memories. The emotional weight of this burden is felt throughout the series, as Henry navigates a life where everything he knows and loves is subject to change while he remains frozen in time.

Forever asks profound questions about the value of life and the significance of death. If you could live forever, would you? Would the relationships and experiences you cherish still feel meaningful if they lasted indefinitely? The series’ exploration of immortality doesn’t romanticize it—it presents a version of forever that is filled with existential despair, loneliness, and an ever-present sense of loss.

Strong Performances and Character Development

The performances in Forever are nothing short of exceptional. Thomas Mann brings a unique vulnerability to his portrayal of Henry, making him a character that is both relatable and tragic. Mann’s ability to convey the internal turmoil of living forever—without feeling over-the-top or melodramatic—grounds the show’s fantastical premise in real human emotion. His portrayal of Henry’s isolation and longing is one of the driving forces behind the series.

Florence Pugh’s portrayal of Eleanor is equally compelling. Pugh captures the complexity of a woman who is caught between her love for an immortal man and the inevitable reality of aging. Her performance is filled with subtlety and depth, showcasing the emotional struggle of loving someone who can’t grow old alongside you. Eleanor’s journey is about accepting mortality and finding meaning in a life that is limited by time, which contrasts beautifully with Henry’s experience of living without end.

The supporting cast also shines, particularly as they explore how immortality affects not only Henry and Eleanor but also the people who come into their lives. The series does a great job of exploring the ripple effects of Henry’s condition, touching on how it changes his relationships with family, friends, and strangers over time. These characters provide valuable insight into the effects of immortality on human connection, further deepening the show’s emotional resonance.

Cinematic Quality and Atmosphere

Visually, Forever is a stunning piece of work. The cinematography beautifully captures the passage of time, using subtle visual cues to convey the sense of a world moving forward while Henry remains stuck in place. The contrast between Henry’s unchanged appearance and the world around him is reflected in the show's color palette, which transitions from vibrant hues to more muted tones as the seasons change, symbolizing the passage of time.

The music plays a crucial role in setting the emotional tone of the series. The score is haunting and reflective, enhancing the show’s introspective nature. It perfectly complements the themes of loss and longing, providing a backdrop that amplifies the characters' emotional struggles. The atmospheric tension in Forever is palpable, with every scene brimming with an undercurrent of quiet desperation and longing for something that can never be attained.

The Verdict: A Profound and Moving Exploration of Immortality

Forever (2025) is a captivating and thought-provoking series that explores the complex emotional, psychological, and existential implications of immortality. Through its innovative use of vocal media storytelling, the series creates a deeply intimate experience, allowing viewers to connect with its characters on a profound level. Henry’s journey is both heartbreaking and relatable, making his immortality feel like a curse rather than a gift. The love story with Eleanor is filled with passion, longing, and deep emotional resonance, capturing the beauty and tragedy of time itself.

With strong performances, stunning visuals, and an emotionally rich narrative, Forever is a must-watch for fans of sci-fi, romance, and introspective storytelling. The show’s exploration of life, love, and the passage of time will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.

Rating: 4.5/5