Twelve Forever

Twelve Forever is a unique and vibrant animated series from Netflix that was released in 2019. Created by Julia Vickerman, an American animator who has previously worked on shows like "The Powerpuff Girls", the series revolves around a young girl named Reggie who refuses to grow up and grapples with the dynamic changes of adolescence. Reggie, being a typical 12-year-old, relishes in her childhood - she holds onto it so much that she's created her own escapade world called "Endless Island", a magical place where everything stays fun, adventurous, and undeterred by the pressures of growing up.

The series cleverly bridges fantasy and reality as it peels back layers of emotion and identity that can often be overlooked in a typical preteen's life. It delivers a nuanced exploration of adolescence and the often-challenging aspects of maturing young minds go through. It delivers profound life lessons with a blend of humor, charm, and a dash of the wacky, as the plot pushes beyond typical cartoon tropes to tackle more serious themes like friendship, family, and self-acceptance.

At the center of it all, our protagonist Reggie, voiced by Kelsy Abbott, is relatable and endearing, albeit quirky with a pinch of rebellion. She is rambunctious and creative with an innate love for adventures, adding a sense of optimism and wild fun to the narrative. In the real world, Reggie is navigating day-to-day challenges, from school, friendships, her brother, her parents, and her own budding emotions. However, whenever the pressures of the preteen world become too much, she escapes to Endless Island. Here she has the freedom to express herself without the constraints of age or social norms, creating a rich world governed by her law where she is "Twelve Forever."

Partnering Reggie in her extraordinary adventures are her friends Todd and Esther. Both in the real world and on Endless Island, Todd and Esther stand as critical supporting characters, adding depth and diversity to the narrative with their unique story arcs. They serve as the constants in Reggie's fluctuating world, as she wavers between her island escapades and real-world obligations.

Endless Island, Reggie's Peter Pan-esque world, is a vibrant landscape filled with a variety of imaginary yet somewhat eccentric friends and foes. The island not only serves as Reggie's haven but also acts as an interesting metaphor for her complicated emotional state. It's a visual spectacle that becomes a playground for the story to unfold in the most vivid and colorful interpretations.

The animation style of Twelve Forever is equally appealing – a delightful burst of bright color palettes and exaggerated character designs, delivering a visual treat for the viewers. The humor is well crafted, perfectly balanced between silliness for the younger audience and subtler, more sophisticated jokes for the adults. The dialogues are smart and humorous ensuring to keep the tone of the series light-hearted yet engaging.

Twelve Forever, while being a genuinely fun and humorous kids show, doesn't shy away from confronting more sensitive themes. The series sheds light on the challenges of youth & the hard truth of growing up, making every 12-year-old viewer recognize themselves in Reggie. The crux of the show lies in its ability to express that it's okay to be yourself, even if that means being different.

In a nutshell, Twelve Forever is a notable show within children's animated offerings, favored for its ability to provide heartwarming, authentic, and sometimes complex storytelling wrapped within the charm of childlike wonder and adventure, serving both as an entertaining watch for kids and a sentimental journey for adults. This series is a meaningful reflection of the pangs of growing up and finding oneself amidst an ever-evolving world. The honesty of the narrative, the relatability of the characters, and the charm of the animation makes it an enjoyable and memorable experience for viewers of all ages.