Talking Movies

Talking Movies
Talking movies

Monday 24 September 2018

FOREVER SEASON 1: A QUIRKY MASTERPIECE


              

 ….And they lived happily ever after….This often written line, develops manifold interpretations when it comes to the latest series, “Forever” on Amazon Prime. The eight-part, half hour series of season one, is like the rare rainbow you spot in the skies. The rainbow evokes a state of stillness, wonder and deep fascination. Likewise, this series, created by Alan Yang (‘Master of None’) and Matt Hubbard (‘30 Rock’), is a fresh breath of magical air.

Let alone the premise, even the mention of a certain genre, would be a big spoiler. Suffice it to say it is an experimental comedy which constantly breaks all storytelling rules, with a clever mix of genres. The wry humour suddenly knocks you into a dark tunnel which actually gets brighter at the deep end. It is at once-- unusual, weird, bizarre, wildly imaginative, funny and a deep contemplation on life, marriage and the consequences of one’s actions and inactions. It’s deliberate slow pace is a craft in itself, as it effortlessly compels you to keep watching, and dive deep with the characters, without resorting to insane cliffs and cliffhangers.

For those used to an adrenaline rush from the likes of “Breaking Bad’ or “Game of Thrones” or addictive soap operas; ‘Forever’ demands and delivers a different viewing experience. Slow on the surface, nothing prepares you for the twists in the first three episodes. It appears to be a story of the monotony of marital life but underneath, it explores not just relationships but deep, existential questions on life.

We meet the central couple, June (Maya Rudolf) and Oscar (Fred Armisen) through a beautifully directed, smooth montage-like slideshow of their idyllic years together. They eat the same meals, always cooked and served with relish by Oscar. June is suitably appreciative and smiling but slowly and subtly we see the boredom on her face, unnoticed by the doting husband.

Oscar is the loving, non-confrontational husband (a brilliant dishwasher scene shows this flaw) who enjoys solving crossword puzzles. June is a perfect partner, who engages in conversations with riddles. Like a question she poses at a crucial juncture in their relationship: “What is the best beach food?” A simple question that leads to a beautiful, meaningful scene.

Oscar speaks in the gentlest of tones, so gentle that it starts getting annoying. It is little wonder that his preciseness of every action, designed to maintain a peaceful equilibrium, has the opposite effect on June. They go for the same walks, wherever they are (and that ‘wherever’ place is the most fascinating of all) and the same holidays. Until one day, June suggests a skiing trip to break the monotony and bring some adventure.

What happens next, is so exquisitely unpredictable and so thought provoking, that you follow them for the rest of the journey, discovering new perspectives, along with them. And what a journey it is.  Along the journey, Oscar and June meet delightful characters like a know-all adolescent, Mark (Noah Robbins, fantastic) whose first date we witness in the most unlikely and charming way possible, given the ‘unusual’ circumstances. Other relationship boundaries between same sex friends like the one with the bolder Kase (Catherine Keener), are explored, with an explanation that is probably one of the best lines in the series: “sexuality is a spectrum….”

At every turn, there is a deep life lesson. Like what happens when you summon up the courage to leave your secure zone. Things can get wildly uncomfortable and unnerving and the outcome may also seem like the worst nightmare. But you continue to walk past that and discover the hidden treasures on the roads not taken. Themes of letting go of attachments, of honesty and self deception, energy vampires, lost opportunities, of the real and the unreal, of tough life choices; are dealt in deft writing as smooth as a ski slope. However, the point again is not just the learnings or the destination sought by June and Oscar, but their wonderful, adventurous journey into the concepts of the term ‘forever’.

Interestingly, one of the best episodes has two fabulous actors: Jason Mitchell and Hong Chou, who take you completely away from June and Oscar and leave you wondering at the connection to the larger plot. Yet, that is the most enjoyable part with a good dose of wit, fun and romance along with a hint of modern racial views.

So, did June and Oscar live happily ever after….where the mundane is the constant challenge and conflict? Watch the time when Maya Rudolf’s June belt out, “This is how we do it” and maybe, just maybe, you will get some answers.