FORBIDDEN FRUITS Is a Campy, Tasty, and Witchy Horror Comedy Romp (Review)

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I’ve been watching Apple, Fig, and Cherry – they’re basically the queens of Free Eden in the Dallas mall. Seriously, they’re always perfectly put together, super good at their jobs, and just draw people in. It’s like they’re experts at reading what customers want, and even what they’re worried about, to make sales. I noticed Fig getting really interested in Pumpkin, a new girl working at the food court, and Pumpkin seemed fascinated by Apple, Fig, and Cherry too. She quickly got pulled into their world, which is way more complicated than it looks. Honestly, it’s clear why – they’re totally captivating, and I’m starting to suspect Pumpkin has her own reasons for getting close to them.

Apple, played by Lili Reinhart, is the dominant personality both at work and within their mysterious group. She’s captivating and alluring, but also potentially dangerous. Fig, portrayed by Alexandra Shipp, lives up to her name – incredibly sweet, but less intense than those around her. She’s intelligent, ambitious, and keeps her private life guarded. Cherry, played by Victoria Pedretti, is a natural people-pleaser with a cheerful facade that hides a profound sadness stemming from a past heartbreak.

In the film Forbidden Fruits, directed by Meredith Alloway and co-written with Lily Houghton, the characters Apple, Fig, and Cherry use grand, yet empty, words to portray their bond as genuine sisterhood – one that challenges traditional power structures and promises strength. They even idolize Marilyn Monroe as the epitome of womanhood, and honestly, it’s understandable. The film skillfully manages the subtle tensions between the four characters, gradually revealing their inner selves and motivations.

I think the story could have delved more into Pumpkin’s character. However, she largely represents the audience—a reflection of every young woman in Free Eden. Her journey highlights the real challenges of being a woman: facing criticism for our choices, feeling pressured to conform, and the strong desire for meaningful connections with others.

When connections with women are based on shallow needs or a sense of desperation, it blurs the lines between right and wrong, leaving you feeling more isolated and lost. It encourages hiding true feelings behind a facade of happiness and belonging, rather than finding genuine support from a friend. No amount of rituals, potions, or social activity can fix that core emptiness. Trying to control or shame others, even with a polished exterior, is just a new form of the same old power dynamics.

Forbidden Fruits is a funny and slightly spooky movie that doesn’t really lean into horror until the very end. It uses satire to explore some serious themes, and the beautiful, dreamlike setting of Free Eden creates a captivating atmosphere. It’s a fun mix of witty dialogue, unexpected twists, and visually striking moments – especially the fashion! Imagine Mean Girls blended with the dark, occult vibes of The Craft, and a touch of over-the-top gore. The film has a cool, retro style reminiscent of classic Italian giallo films, but tackles issues of womanhood in a fresh and thoughtful way.

I really enjoyed the strong, romantic connection between all four characters, which felt very sapphic. While I know that doesn’t automatically mean they’re sexually attracted to each other, I wish the movie had explored same-sex attraction more. It was important to show how independence and feminism could coexist with attraction to men, but it felt odd that none of the women showed a clear interest in other women. There was one quick hint of it, but it was quickly dismissed, and I was disappointed by that.

The film’s ending had a truly unexpected twist, and what happened to the characters was even more shocking. It leaves you wondering if magic or just consequences were responsible – I think it’s a bit of both! Plus, the scene after the credits strongly hints at a sequel that promises to be just as entertaining. It’s a funny, visually exciting, and female-driven movie that’s best enjoyed with your friends (especially if they’re as wild as the characters!).

Forbidden Fruits will hit theaters on March 27, 2026.

Forbidden Fruits ⭐ (4.5 of 5)

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2026-03-17 03:33