Review

"Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit – A Mystery So Juicy, It’ll Make You Forget About Hallmark Holiday Movies (Almost)"

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a caterer turned detective stumbled upon a murder mystery involving a suspiciously perfect fruit platter, Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit is here to answer that question you definitely didn’t ask. Released in 2024, this film is the latest installment in the Curious Caterer series, and it’s as delightfully absurd as you’d expect from a movie that combines gourmet food, amateur sleuthing, and a dash of forbidden romance.

The plot follows our favorite culinary crime-solver, Goldy Berry (played by the ever-charming Nikki DeLoach), as she caters a high-society event where someone drops dead after eating a suspiciously shiny apple. Was it poison? Was it a cursed fruit? Or was it just bad luck that the victim chose the one apple that wasn’t organic? The mystery unfolds with all the subtlety of a Hallmark movie, but with slightly fewer Christmas sweaters and slightly more fruit puns.

Speaking of Hallmark movies, Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit feels like the rebellious cousin of Hallmark holiday movies. Instead of cozy small towns and mistletoe, we get a glamorous vineyard and a murder weapon that doubles as a snack. Instead of a hunky lumberjack, we get a hunky detective who may or may not be hiding a secret recipe for disaster. And instead of a predictable happy ending, we get… well, actually, the ending is still pretty predictable, but at least there’s a twist involving a pineapple.

The film’s greatest strength is its ability to take itself just seriously enough to keep you invested, but not so seriously that you forget you’re watching a movie about a caterer solving crimes. The dialogue is peppered with food-related one-liners like, “This case is juicier than a ripe peach!” and “Someone’s been stirring the pot, and it’s not me!” (Spoiler: It’s always her.) The supporting cast is equally entertaining, with standout performances from the victim’s overly dramatic best friend and a sommelier who knows way too much about arsenic.

In conclusion, Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit is a fun, frothy mystery that’s perfect for a cozy night in. It won’t win any Oscars, but it might inspire you to double-check your fruit salad at your next dinner party. And if you’re a fan of Hallmark movies, this is a refreshing break from the usual holiday fare—just don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving a caramel apple by the end. 3.5 out of 5 suspiciously shiny stars. 🍎