Meredith Alloway’s film “Forbidden Fruits” blends elements from iconic ‘90s teen movies into a fresh but familiar package. This film, her directorial debut, is based on a play by Lily Houghton. It brings together the vibes of “The Craft,” “Mean Girls,” and “Clueless,” centering around a group of trendy witches working in a Texas mall.
The main group, known as “The Fruits,” struts into the mall food court in classic slow-motion style. Apple (Lili Reinhart) leads this clique, reminiscent of Regina George or Cher Horowitz. Her friends include the edgy Fig (Alexandra Shipp) and the bubbly Cherry (Victoria Pedretti). When they meet Pumpkin (Lola Tung), a new girl with a fitting name, they quickly welcome her into their fold.
Apple runs their store, Free Eden, where they focus on empowering one another—albeit in a quirky way. They confess their secrets to Marilyn Monroe in a dressing room and practice spells with clothing items. A strict rule against dating and an environment of controlled communication adds an interesting twist to their world.
Trouble brews when Pumpkin begins unraveling secrets from their past, including a mysterious former member named Pickle (Emma Chamberlain). Her discovery of hexes and hidden romances sets the stage for chaos, culminating in a dramatic tornado event.
Visually, Alloway and cinematographer Karim Hussain create a dreamy aesthetic that captures the film’s playful yet dark tone. While the cast, especially Reinhart and Pedretti, embodies their roles well, the film’s pacing feels off. It’s slower than expected and could benefit from tighter editing. Ultimately, the story is packed with twists but lacks a sense of urgency.
The film often veers into theatrical territory with long monologues, especially a standout moment from Pedretti that hints at Cherry’s deeper side. However, Alloway’s ironic style sometimes undermines these emotional beats, making the film feel more like a collection of references than a cohesive narrative.
“Forbidden Fruits” highlights the tension between style and substance. It captures the spirit of ‘90s pop culture but doesn’t fully innovate on it. As a result, it feels a bit like fast fashion in the world of girl-centric horror—a delightful experience, but one that may not stick with you long after the credits roll.
Interestingly, recent discussions on social media suggest that while some viewers enjoy the nostalgic nods, others crave more originality in films. This reflects a broader trend in cinema where viewers are increasingly seeking fresh takes on familiar themes. For reference, a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 67% of young adults prefer innovative stories over traditional narratives.
In conclusion, while “Forbidden Fruits” is stylish and entertaining, it leaves some viewers wishing for a deeper exploration of its intriguing themes.
Source link
