The Women of Forbidden Fruits Are Redefining the Narrative of Girlhood

      "From woman, the start of sin arose, and through her, we all face death." The first instance of a woman being held responsible for everything dates back to biblical times. Long before gossip columns labeled their weekly scapegoats and social media comments became harsh critiques, there was Eve—portrayed as the source of downfall. More than 2000 years have passed since that scripture line linked to the fall in Genesis was recorded, yet women continue to be told they are the cause of each other’s failures. While the storyline may change, the belief that women are each other's ruin persists. You can spot it in tabloid titles, Reddit critiques, and hushed conversations about who might have sabotaged whom to climb the ladder. Evil does not vanish; instead, it reinvents itself. Misogyny has a remarkable ability to endure.

      Introducing Forbidden Fruits, the upcoming indie horror-dramedy from director Meredith Alloway, which takes that age-old blame and turns it into a wickedly twisted tale. Premiering on March 27, the film replaces the Garden of Eden with a suburban Texas mall and features a group of witchy retail workers on the brink of a mental collapse instead of Eve. Producer Diablo Cody, known for the teen horror-comedy Jennifer's Body, is one of the creative minds behind it. With a cast including Lili Reinhart, Lola Tung, Victoria Pedretti, and Alexandra Shipp, Forbidden Fruits offers a dark exploration of the complex nature of female relationships. Adapted from Lily Houghton’s 2023 stage play inspired by the same biblical line, the film has all the marks of a cult classic in development: campy wardrobes, dubious wig choices, and abundant fake blood that rivals a Final Destination movie, alongside a star-studded ensemble that leaves you wondering how they all gathered in one place.

      "From the outset, my co-writer Lily Houghton and I recognized that the key was casting actors who could navigate both the satire and the film's emotional depth," Alloway shares. For several weeks, Alloway and Houghton conducted Zoom meetings with each actor prior to casting them, delving into their psyches. "Seeing them come together for rehearsals was amazing—it felt like a musical. They fed off one another in real-time, balancing their character energies," Alloway adds. Shooting occurred exclusively from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., contributing to the actors' portrayal of characters in a delirious state. It exemplifies the peak of trauma bonding.

      Chemistry is essential. It's what captivates viewers when watching Forbidden Fruits for the first time. Beneath the sparkling dresses, food court snacks, and harsh fluorescent lighting, the film isn't truly about witchcraft or the occult; it showcases the tensions inherent in social hierarchies. The underground women’s cult promises empowerment, but its true currency is closeness. To be favored (or, in the film's case, bullied) equates to adoration. Being adored breeds envy, and in this realm, envy can swiftly lead to danger.

      Consider Apple (played by Reinhart), the determined lesbian leader propelling the narrative. Commanding the basement cult through cold glares and intimidation, her energy draws the other women into her orbit. Reinhart's portrayal of Apple breaks the mold of a typical larger-than-life villain. She is both enchanting and manipulative, yet by the end, she feels profoundly vulnerable and human. This complexity has become a hallmark of Reinhart’s performances. Rising to popularity as Betty Cooper on The CW's Riverdale, she showcased her ability to transform archetypes into nuanced characters. Betty could have easily remained the quintessential good girl, but under Reinhart's influence, she revealed deeper layers of darkness, trauma, and obsession.

      Reinhart has always been intrigued by multifaceted femininity: women who embody both fragility and fierceness, order and chaos. Apple represents a wild and intensified progression of that fascination. "I see her as a deeply troubled woman yearning for connection and control. Yes, she's tough, but she's also the kind of person you want to win over," Reinhart details. During our Zoom chat, she's cozily draped in an oversized hoodie, a probable post-New York Fashion Week staple for the actress, who has been busy attending shows and kicking off the press tour for Forbidden Fruits. "It's reminiscent of Regina George. It’s like, 'Wow, she's so harsh. Can she be harsh toward me?'" she adds.

      There’s a profound sense of empathy for Apple radiating from Reinhart’s screen presence when we discuss the film. She initially read the script in 2023, two years before production, and felt a strong attachment to Apple. "I hopped on a Zoom call with Meredith and Lily, and we connected instantly," Reinhart recalls. "I entered with a solid vision for the character and proclaimed, ‘Oh, by the way, I’m Apple.’"