“Forbidden Fruits” follows Free Eden employee Apple, who secretly runs a witchy femme cult in the basement of a mall. When a new hire challenges their sisterhood, the women are forced to face their own poisons.
Style First, Story Later
In its early stages, “Forbidden Fruits” is solely focused on world-building. It features vibrant colors, high fashion, modern music and a quartet of exaggerated, overly feminine performances.
Director of photography Karim Hussain and production designer Ciara Vernon immediately flex their skills. Hussain’s previous work on “Possessor” and “Infinity Pool” translates here – with dreamlike visuals that remain stable until they shatter. The storefront itself is mesmerizing, with dressed mannequins, colorful walls and… lots of glitter.
Costume designer Sarah Millman plays a crucial role in the film’s visual identity as well. Outside of the actors themselves, each character has their own unique style because of Millman’s work. Dressed in a variety of outfits, the individuals’ personalities show through their wardrobe.
Anna Drubich’s score is another example of the movie’s modern flair. Full of upbeat, “poppy” music, it maintains an illusory quality that complements the visuals.
Performances Carry the Film
Alongside all the technical achievements, it’s the performances from Lili Reinhart (Apple), Lola Tung (Pumpkin), Alexandra Shipp (Fig) and Victoria Pedretti (Cherry) that make the movie.
Reinhart plays the leader of the group, being both seductive and secretive in one. Her delivery is constantly commanding, spreading friendly and judgmental vibes through every word she says. Shipp and Tung are equally as impressive – but the characters themselves are nowhere near as memorable as Reinhart’s and Pedretti’s. Still, they round out the cast well, with Shipp bringing her usual charm and Tung providing the audience with a differing perspective through her “outsider” presence.
Pedretti proves to be the standout, however. She adds a clumsy and naive persona to the screen that contrasts well with other members of the cast.
“I went on a hot girl jog this morning. Could somebody having a nervous breakdown go on a jog?”
A Late Shift Into Horror
The film’s biggest problem is really to no fault of its own. However, it’s worth noting that “Forbidden Fruits” does fall into the same category as many recent horror releases (like “Grafted” and “Slanted”) that go for a “Mean Girls” aesthetic.
What makes “Forbidden Fruits” somewhat unique is that it shows little inkling of horror until the final act. Sure… there are hints of unpleasantries and a cult-like presence. But it doesn’t fully lean into its horror-comedy identity until the conclusion. And even then – it still feels like a complete movie.
The “Mean Girls” aspects of “Forbidden Fruits” are just as entertaining as the horror. This is a testament to the film’s efforts in character development.
The last 30 minutes make the wait worth it. While the quantity of carnage is limited, the quality is there. Limbs are torn and blood is shed in a number of creative ways. Director Meredith Alloway knows how to integrate these moments naturally, without making them feel forced.
The final shots, however, come across as unnecessary. Rather than ending with finality, “Forbidden Fruits” throws in a sequel tease. Does this story warrant continuation? Not really. The film would have held more weight if it ended one or two scenes earlier.
“Forbidden Fruits” features memorable characters and plenty of style. The feminine energy radiates through every frame of this “Mean Girls”-esque horror entry.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
