For Keeps? (1988)

"For Keeps?" (1988) tells the story of Darcy, a high school editor, and her boyfriend Stan, whose carefully planned future takes an unexpected turn when Darcy becomes pregnant just before graduation. Their long-term relationship, focused on college ambitions, is immediately challenged by the realities of unplanned parenthood. The film explores the societal pressures and familial conflicts that arise when two teenagers grapple with the consequences of their choices, navigating both their own feelings and the disapproval they face from their parents, especially given the contrasting perspectives of Darcy's single mother and Stan's devout Catholic family who urge the couple to consider drastic options. This film earns its place among John G. Avildsen's best works due to his ability to capture the raw emotions and complexities of the teenage experience. Avildsen, known for his gritty and realistic portrayals of the underdog, here confronts a different type of challenge: the difficult choices and societal expectations surrounding teen pregnancy. His direction focuses on the authentic struggles of the young couple, their burgeoning responsibilities, and their fight to define their own path, creating a relatable and moving exploration of love, responsibility, and the challenges of growing up, themes that resonate with Avildsen's career-long interest in human perseverance.