Forbidden Fruits: Dark Comedy, Witches & Modern Female Power | Review
The Highland Place mall in Texas might just be harboring a coven. Meredith Alloway’s feature debut, Forbidden Fruits, currently generating buzz after its SXSW premiere, is being described as a darkly comedic blend of “Mean Girls” and “The Craft” for Gen Z. But beneath the surface of designer cupcakes and carefully curated aesthetics lies a satirical thriller exploring female power, control, and the complexities of modern sisterhood.
The film centers around four young women working at a clothing-and-knickknack boutique, who are, at the very least, deeply immersed in a world of ritual and shared obsession. Lili Reinhart leads the quartet as Apple, a calculating and magnetic figure who exerts a powerful influence over her friends – Cherry (Victoria Pedretti), Fig (Alexandra Shipp), and the newest addition, Pumpkin (Lola Tung). The premise, as described in reviews, immediately resonated with audiences looking for a fresh accept on the witchy genre. Nerdist calls the film “campy, tasty, and witchy,” while Yahoo Entertainment labels it a “spicy depraved satirical thriller.”
Beyond the Aesthetic: A Modern Take on Female Power
Alloway, who co-wrote the script with Lily Houghton, doesn’t simply replicate the tropes of earlier witch films. Where “The Craft” and “Practical Magic” often presented witchcraft as a broadly empowering force, Forbidden Fruits suggests something more nuanced. Apple doesn’t wield magic for liberation; she uses it to enforce her own rules and maintain control. The film’s exploration of power dynamics is particularly striking, with Apple’s directives – even seemingly trivial ones like texting exclusively with emojis – framed as a form of control. This isn’t about free-floating female power, but about the potential for that power to be wielded toxically.
The characters themselves are carefully constructed archetypes. Cherry, initially appearing as the “ditz,” is revealed to be just as sharp-tongued as the others, masking a deeper loneliness. Fig represents a more skeptical and grounded perspective, while Pumpkin’s arrival disrupts the established order. The naming convention – each girl representing a different fruit – adds another layer of symbolism, evoking the biblical story of Adam and Eve and the allure of forbidden knowledge.
Diablo Cody’s Influence and the Language of Gen Z
The film’s sharp wit and distinctive dialogue are partly attributable to the involvement of Diablo Cody, known for her work on “Juno” and “Jennifer’s Body,” as a producer. Her influence is evident in the film’s use of contemporary slang – “gorge, perf, vom” – which grounds the story in a specific generational context. The soundtrack, too, plays a crucial role, featuring an EDM cover of Bryan Adams’ “Heaven” during a particularly striking dance sequence. This blend of the familiar and the unexpected contributes to the film’s unique atmosphere.
But Forbidden Fruits isn’t just about style. Alloway delves into deeper themes of performative sisterhood, sexuality, and sin. The film asks uncomfortable questions about what young women want – love, justice, power, or a combination of all three – and whether any one of those desires is inherently more potent than the others. The film’s willingness to grapple with these complexities elevates it beyond a simple high-camp giggle trip.
A Confessional and a Ghost: The Darker Undercurrents
The film takes a decidedly darker turn when Apple initiates a hex, and the consequences are surprisingly real. This shift into suspense reveals a cultural “hairpin turn,” as described in Variety, in the way Apple is portrayed as a figure of “commanding but toxic damage.” The film doesn’t shy away from shock and violence, staging it with a deliberate wit, but the driving force is the attempt to break free from Apple’s influence and dismantle her vision of a world where men are the enemy.
Adding to the film’s unsettling atmosphere is a recurring motif of confession. The girls have a designated “confessional” – a dressing room – where they confess to the spirit of Marilyn Monroe. Apple’s fascination with Monroe stems from her belief that the actress was the ultimate female martyr, unable to be controlled even by the president. According to Apple, Monroe was murdered by JFK precisely due to the fact that of her untamable spirit. This theory underscores the film’s central theme: the struggle for female autonomy and the dangers of unchecked power.
Lili Reinhart’s Breakout Performance
While the ensemble cast is strong, Lili Reinhart’s performance as Apple is particularly noteworthy. She portrays the character with a “diamond-hard smirk and a gleam of perception,” drawing comparisons to Parker Posey and Ann-Margret. Reinhart, already known for her role as Betty Cooper on “Riverdale,” appears poised for a significant career leap with this role, showcasing a range and complexity that extends beyond her previous work.
What’s Next for Forbidden Fruits?
Following its SXSW premiere, Forbidden Fruits is currently seeking distribution. While a firm release date hasn’t been announced, the positive critical reception and strong word-of-mouth suggest a wide release is likely. The film’s success at SXSW could similarly open doors for Alloway and Houghton, establishing them as voices to watch in the independent film scene. The film’s exploration of timely themes and its distinctive visual style position it as a potential cult classic, resonating with audiences who are hungry for subversive and thought-provoking entertainment.