Delving into the world of witchy femme cults and complex female friendships, “Forbidden Fruits” offers a fresh perspective on belonging and its potential to upend lives. Directed by Meredith Alloway and adapted from Lily Houghton’s play, this horror-comedy film explores themes of identity and sisterhood within a mysterious Dallas mall boutique. With the cast and creators discussing the deeper undertones, audiences are drawn into a narrative that subtly challenges societal norms and expectations.
A Coven in the Basement
Set in Free Eden, a seemingly typical boutique, “Forbidden Fruits” follows four young women as they navigate their secret lives. The film features a dynamic cast, including Lili Reinhart as Apple, Victoria Pedretti as Cherry, Alexandra Shipp as Fig, and Lola Tung as Pumpkin. These characters are far from ordinary; their after-hours activities morph them into a witchy femme cult housed in the shop’s basement. With newcomer Pumpkin questioning the group’s superficial unity, the plot dives into the intricacies of their twisted friendships.
The film premiered at SXSW, drawing comparisons to iconic titles like “Mean Girls” and “The Craft,” yet it brings its own unique flavor to the genre. “We pitched it as ‘Mean Girls,’ but a slasher,” Houghton explained, citing the influence of “Jennifer’s Body.”
Voices and Inspirations
The film is deeply personal for playwright Lily Houghton, whose own life experiences shaped the narrative. She penned the original play at 21 after experiencing a profound personal loss, using it as a means to explore themes of girlhood and protection. “I retreated into my perceptions of girlhood and used that as protection,” Houghton shared, illuminating how the yearning for belonging can become both a haven and a vulnerability.
Characters and Motifs
Within “Forbidden Fruits,” the characters grapple with their identities and motivations. Reinhart’s Apple is portrayed as a self-proclaimed feminist whose actions betray her convictions. “She considers herself the ultimate girl’s girl, yet lacks real understanding of love and connection,” Reinhart commented.
Central to the film is its biblical motif, the snake in the garden, symbolized by Tung’s character, Pumpkin. “She kind of is the snake,” Tung noted, emphasizing Pumpkin’s role in unraveling the seemingly idyllic group. Her quest for belonging is poignant, symbolizing how the desire can lead to unexpected unraveling.
Exploring the Real Antagonist
Victoria Pedretti and Alexandra Shipp bring depth to the characters Cherry and Fig, each navigating loyalty and belief within the coven. Pedretti describes Cherry as earnest but overwhelmed, while Shipp portrays Fig as a true believer in their cause.
Director Meredith Alloway challenges viewers to reconsider where the real threat lies. “The villain is expectations of women,” she asserted, noting that societal pressures, not individual actions, are the true antagonists. Houghton adds, “If those systems didn’t exist, they would be dancing in a forest, summoning the goddesses.”
“Forbidden Fruits” stands apart by focusing on the resilience and complexity of its female characters. Despite its slasher elements, the film’s heart is in the nuanced exploration of belonging and identity, portraying a world where women are not defined by their relationships with men, but by the social structures around them.
