Get ready to be spellbound—or maybe just plain horrified. Lili Reinhart is leading a witchy cult in the upcoming horror movie Forbidden Fruits, and it’s as wild as it sounds. Produced by the legendary Diablo Cody and directed by feature debut filmmaker Meredith Alloway, this film promises to be a bewitching blend of dark humor, feminist undertones, and outright chaos. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this a celebration of female empowerment or a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition? You’ll have to decide for yourself when it hits theaters in 2026, thanks to Independent Film Company and Shudder.
At its core, Forbidden Fruits follows Apple, a seemingly ordinary employee at Free Eden, who moonlights as the leader of a secret femme cult in the mall store’s basement. Alongside her fellow ‘fruits’ Cherry and Fig, Apple’s world is turned upside down when Pumpkin, a new hire, challenges their ‘girl boss’ mentality. And this is the part most people miss: the film isn’t just about witchcraft—it’s a sharp commentary on the toxic dynamics that can arise even in female-led spaces. Will the women confront their own poisons, or will they succumb to a bloody fate? It’s a question that lingers long after the credits roll.
The cast is nothing short of stellar, with Lola Tung, Victoria Pedretti, Alexandra Shipp, Gabrielle Union, and Emma Chamberlain joining Reinhart in what’s sure to be a career-defining ensemble. Adapted from Lily Houghton’s stage play Of the Women Came the Beginning of Sin and Through Her We All Die, the film is co-written by Alloway and Houghton, ensuring the original’s sharp wit and dark themes remain intact. Diablo Cody herself has called it ‘one of the craziest, most creative, beautifully bonkers projects’ she’s ever worked on—and if anyone knows bonkers, it’s the writer behind Juno and Jennifer’s Body.
Behind the scenes, the production team is just as impressive, with Mason Novick, Trent Hubbard, and Mary Anne Waterhouse joining Cody as producers. Executive producers include Charlie Traisman, Katherine Romans, Casey Durant, and Rachel Douglas, ensuring this project has the firepower to match its ambition. The teaser, which dropped recently, offers only fleeting glimpses of the horror in store, leaving fans hungry for more.
But here’s the real question: In a world where female-led stories are finally getting their due, does Forbidden Fruits push the envelope too far, or is it exactly the kind of bold, unapologetic storytelling we need? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to cast a spell.
