“Forbidden Fruits,” directed by Meredith Alloway, is a dark comedy horror film about a group of retail employees who run a secret witch cult in their mall store, Free Eden. The story gets more intense when a new hire challenges their performative sisterhood, forcing them to face their toxic dynamics.
The movie mixes dark humor with chaos, a little horror and a unique modern style that makes it stand out from typical horror comedies. It also explores deeper themes about identity, belonging and how people sometimes change themselves to fit into a group, even when that group becomes unhealthy.
The trailer for “Forbidden Fruits” made it difficult to get a grasp of the premise of the movie, but the movie was surprisingly good. The story is unpredictable and confusing at times, but that did not stop it from being enjoyable. From the very first scene, the playful vibe and style of the movie grabbed attention and invoked excitement over what would happen next.
The plot moves in a way that keeps the audience guessing and requires the occasional pause to think about what was going on. But it never got boring. Instead, it made the movie feel fresh, different and exciting in an unexpected way.
It was similar to the movie “Jennifer’s Body,” but updated. It mixes humor, chaos and a little darkness but in a playful modern way that really works. At the same time, the chaos seems intentional, showing how group dynamic becomes more controlling and toxic as the story goes on.
One of the best things about the movie was the acting. Lili Reinhart was amazing as Apple. Her performance reminded me a lot of Cheryl Blossom from “Riverdale”. She has intensity, charm and a little edge that makes her really carry the film, while also showing moments of vulnerability.
Victoria Pedretti plays Cherry, whose quirky personality makes her fun and adds to the story. She has a way of making her lines feel natural and playful while also giving depth to her character.
Lola Tung plays Pumpkin, the new hire who shakes things up in a fun but awkward way while also challenges the group’s dynamic. Alexandra Shipp plays Fig, whose confidence and attitude bring extra energy and boldness to the story.
All the actors brought their characters to life. Their interactions felt natural, and the chemistry between them made the movie lively and fun to watch.
The humor in “Forbidden Fruits” was another highlight. There were so many moments that felt natural, clever and not forced. The humor made up for the confusing parts. The humor is playful, sometimes silly, and other times darker, which fits the style of the movie perfectly. Some of the funniest moments come from the awkward situations between characters and the way they react to chaos around them.
Recognition has to be given to the costume designer Sarah Millman for the incredibly stylish looks. The outfits, makeup and overall style were amazing and matched each character’s personality perfectly.
Visually, the movie is a joy to watch. The colors are bright, the sets are creative and every scene had a new, special element to offer.
However, the witchery aspect of the story was confusing. It seemed important, but it was not always clear how it worked or what it fully meant. It may also be a symbol of control and power within the group rather than something meant to be fully explained.
Even though the plot was sometimes hard to follow, the movie never felt boring or disconnected. The energy, acting and visuals kept me hooked the whole time. There is always something happening, but it’s easier to just go along for the ride instead of worrying about understanding every detail.
Overall, “Forbidden Fruits” was enjoyable; Lili Reinhart, Victoria Pedretti, Lola Tung and Alexandra Shipp were all so fun to watch. Anyone who likes stylish, funny and chaotic films with strong characters, should watch it. If you liked “Jennifer’s Body” or just enjoy movies that are a little different and do not take themselves too seriously, this is one you will probably enjoy.
