Forbidden Fruits is a new horror-comedy from Meredith Alloway, marking her feature film directorial debut. The film is based on the 2019 play Of the woman came the beginning of sin, and through her we all die by Lily Houghton. It centers around three young women in Texas who run a bohemian clothing store called Free Eden.

The Story of Free Eden

Apple, Fig, and Cherry scam customers into spending lavishly at Free Eden. Their world is turned upside down with the arrival of Pumpkin, a new employee from the mall’s pretzel shop. After undergoing a series of tests and embracing their secretive rituals, Pumpkin joins their coven, but harbors hidden intentions.

Influences and Themes

Forbidden Fruits draws inspiration from films like Heathers, Jawbreaker, The Craft, Clueless, and Mean Girls. However, it resonates particularly strongly in a post-Roe v. Wade world, dissecting themes of female power, autonomy, sex, and spirituality. The film features unique spiritual practices, including worshiping Marilyn Monroe and drinking potions from a silver cowboy boot.

A Stellar Cast

The film stars Lili Reinhart, Lola Tung, Alexandra Shipp, and Victoria Pedretti as the four central “fruits.” Harper’s Bazaar spoke with the leading ladies about their roles and the film’s themes.

Religious Symbolism and the Garden of Eden

The film is steeped in religious imagery, from the store’s name, Free Eden, to the characters’ names. Lili Reinhart explained, “I think it’s obviously very intentional. It is our Garden of Eden, and that’s why our rituals that take place in the store are called Paradise… And then we talk about there’s a snake in the grass, and there are biblical references for sure.” She added that the women’s spirituality centers around worshipping iconic women who were demonized for their power and sexuality.

Female Empowerment and Sisterhood

The film explores the complexities of female empowerment and the search for sisterhood. Reinhart noted a sense of sadness surrounding the characters, stating, “There’s a sadness in the sense of what these women do to belong, they can’t quite authentically be themselves.” Lola Tung added that the women are “trying to build something on their own” despite facing trauma and a lack of resources.

Embracing Witchcraft and Magic

Witchcraft plays a significant role in the film. The actresses shared their own experiences with spirituality and manifestation. “I think we’ve all touched pieces of witchcraft in our life, like in one form or another,” said Reinhart. Victoria Pedretti described filmmaking itself as a form of magic, creating illusions and evoking emotional responses.

Genre-Bending and Female Rage

Forbidden Fruits seamlessly blends comedy, supernatural elements, and body horror. Alexandra Shipp explained that this reflects a society where women are often pushed to their breaking points. The actresses also discussed the importance of seeing more films about female rage and perspectives from female directors, referencing films like The Substance.

The Power of Female Collaboration

The cast emphasized the importance of collaboration and creating a supportive environment on set. They highlighted the need for female directors to prioritize their own well-being, even amidst demanding schedules. The film serves as a powerful exploration of female experiences and a celebration of female creativity.