A new film with connections to North Texas is stirring appetites for a variety of fruits like apples, cherries, figs, and pumpkins. With the arrival of cool weather over Easter weekend, diving back into some autumn favorites feels perfectly acceptable. This review explores a captivating tale of high-fashion witches unleashing their magical prowess in a Dallas mall, and don’t forget to check out the credits for some delightful dining recommendations.
Forbidden Fruits: Poison Apple
The Craft has long stood out as one of the quintessential teen films of the 1990s, deftly balancing fun and seriousness in its portrayal of witchcraft. While Zoe Lister-Jones’ pandemic-era sequel fell short, Forbidden Fruits comes much closer to capturing that original spirit. Moreover, it unfolds in North Texas, allowing local audiences to experience the movie in its authentic backdrop.
The story revolves around three saleswomen, Apple, Cherry, and Fig—played by Lili Reinhart, Victoria Pedretti, and Alexandra Shipp—who work at an upscale clothing store named Free Eden. Their circle expands to include Pumpkin, portrayed by Lola Tung from TV’s The Summer I Turned Pretty, who serves free pretzel samples at the mall’s stand. Despite their reservations about carbs, the trio feels a connection to Pumpkin based on her fruit-themed name, leading to a rather bizarre initiation ceremony involving a cowboy boot and an eccentric incantation.
Set in the fictional Highland Place mall in Dallas, which bears a resemblance to NorthPark on the outside but not inside, the film was actually filmed in Toronto. However, local references remain accurate, as Fig humorously points out where each character hails from, providing a genuine touch to the narrative.
The film’s humor is confident and original, portraying the witches as devotees of Marilyn Monroe and modern-day rebels against the patriarchy through their everyday choices, such as ordering lattes. An initiation scene features a playful moment where Apple asks her friends to “blow me,” meaning they must inhale from her marijuana cigarette and exhale into her mouth. When a customer seeks sun protection for her baby, Apple quips, “That’s so thoughtful. If I had a kid, I’d never think about them at all.”
Pumpkin’s motivations for joining the group create layers of tension, particularly as Apple’s domineering behavior complicates their dynamics. Fig, for instance, is hiding her pursuit of a master’s degree in astrophysics, a subplot that feels underexplored. The film also introduces an outcast named Pickle, who roams the mall in a zombie-like trance, further enriching the story’s quirky atmosphere.
Reinhart shines in her role as the coven leader, particularly during a chaotic climax where both the group and Apple’s mental state unravel amid a tornado’s fury. While the visuals may not fully match the film’s energetic storytelling, budget constraints likely influenced this aspect. The post-credits scene, where the elusive store manager finally makes an appearance, leaves viewers intrigued, inviting them to discover who plays this character.
Despite its flaws, the film’s premise raises questions about what Alloway could have achieved with a larger budget and more resources. Perhaps it’s time to showcase her talents with high-end merchandise.
Ate Days of Food on Film
With all this talk of fruits and the film’s North Texas connections, I find myself craving a culinary adventure in the region. The concept of a “progressive dinner,” where guests enjoy different courses at various locations, comes to mind. This social dining experience harks back to my upbringing, and I’m eager to explore the local food scene.
Thanks to a recent shipment of Cranberry Orange Goat Cheese from LaClare Creamery at Town Talk Foods, guests can expect delightful appetizers. Whether served on toasted buns or shaped into a cheese ball rolled in cranberries, this limited-edition cheese is a treat not to be missed. Available at local grocery stores like Albertson’s and Whole Foods, this flavorful option is now offered at a bargain price at Town Talk.
For a satisfying salad, I recommend The Cookshack’s Shack Salad, a hearty dish featuring grilled chicken atop a bed of mixed greens, complemented by almonds, avocado, corn, goat cheese, and cherry tomatoes, all drizzled with Champagne vinaigrette. This salad is known for its ability to fill you up without leaving you hungry shortly after.
While it may lack figs, the Shack Salad incorporates dates, often confused with figs. Interestingly, figs and dates are distinct fruits from different plant families, each offering unique tastes and textures, a fun fact to learn!
To view Forbidden Fruits at its inspirational location, the AMC at NorthPark Center is screening the film. Future showtimes will be announced, and the theater offers a range of dining options, from casual pretzel stands to upscale dining experiences.
For a refined lunch experience, the NM Cafe at Clearfork serves a diverse menu, featuring items like pan-roasted salmon and seasonal dishes alongside lighter options like truffle fries paired with specialty cocktails.
When it comes to dessert, Mac’s on Main is renowned for its Apple Galette, a rustic apple tart served with a scoop of creamy cinnamon ice cream sourced from a local supplier, Henry’s Homemade Ice Cream.
If you’re planning to catch the film in theaters, consider purchasing tickets through Fandango, which is currently offering a buy-one-get-one ticket promotion for Forbidden Fruits.
