Witchy Thriller 'Forbidden Fruits' Debuts With Star Power

Meredith Alloway's directorial debut, "Forbidden Fruits," recently premiered at SXSW, generating significant buzz. This witchy, mall-set thriller, featuring a cast including Lili Reinhart, Lola Tung, Victoria Pedretti, and Alexandra Shipp, is slated for a March 27 theatrical release, with Universal handling international distribution.

The film evolved from an Off-Broadway play, with Alloway drawn to its focus on female dynamics and relationships. She aimed to utilize the slasher genre to amplify the intense emotions inherent in female friendships, describing the resulting film as akin to 'Mean Girls' in a futuristic mall setting.

Navigating the complex landscape of independent film financing, "Forbidden Fruits" faced numerous hurdles, including securing funding and industry strikes. The project was brought to life through the support of producers Mason Novick and Diablo Cody.

Filming primarily occurred overnight in a Toronto mall, presenting unique challenges like early morning mall walkers. Alloway sought a mall with a specific atmosphere, reminiscent of her childhood mall in Dallas, to perfectly complement the film's narrative.

Alloway expressed pride in the significant female presence among the film's department heads, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in filmmaking. She is currently developing several other female-centered projects, including an erotic thriller and a Western with a similar thematic focus.