Writer-director Natalie Erika James’ latest film, ‘Saccharine,’ feels remarkably timely, though she did not intentionally create it as a direct commentary on current events. The psychological horror movie delves into weight loss, diet culture, obsession, and addiction, themes that resonate strongly today.
James explains that the film’s subject matter stems from her personal upbringing and the toxic diet culture of the early 2000s. She observes that while society seemed to move away from that mindset, the underlying pressures have only become more insidious through social media. ‘I always knew I wanted to create a film exploring this kind of subject matter,’ she tells The Hollywood Reporter.
In the film, actress Midori Francis plays Hana, a medical student terrorized by a sinister force after participating in a gruesome dieting fad involving human ashes. James notes that the story is not a direct reaction to the current moment, but acknowledges that social media now amplifies the harmful narratives once confined to tabloids.
‘Saccharine’ joins a lineage of films using body horror to critique modern beauty standards, such as the Oscar-winning ‘The Substance.’ Both James and Francis understand the genre’s unique power to tell these stories. ‘Horror is amazing at externalizing what’s internal and allowing you to play with quite extreme or surreal imagery to depict that,’ James states.
Francis initially questioned using horror for this topic but found it effective. She held onto the story’s emotional truths, even when the plot became outlandish. ‘No matter how otherworldly or absurd things got, it was always rooted in the feelings of being in the grips of compulsion or obsession,’ the actress explains.
The film uses surreal imagery, including dopamine-fueled sequences, to contrast internal mental pressure. Francis appreciates how the loud, distracting visuals highlight the silent struggles of addiction and body dysmorphia that are often invisible to others.
Both James and Francis have witnessed strong audience reactions. James recalls someone fainting during a Sundance screening, an extreme response she hadn’t anticipated. Francis has noticed audiences feeling uneasy around her after screenings, wondering if they are scared of her character.
Francis praises James for her boldness and authenticity, noting that the film’s themes are personal to her and her family. She was drawn to the script’s real voice and its unflinching look at eating disorders and addiction.
James acknowledges the film is challenging and requires trigger warnings. She has been transparent that it may not be suitable for those currently at their darkest point struggling with these issues. The director explains that the menacing presence in the film is a projection of Hana’s fears, shaped by a fatphobic culture.
James hopes audiences look beyond the surface to understand Hana’s journey of unpacking internalized beliefs. Francis believes Hana is afraid of the wrong thing, fearing a larger body instead of confronting her own shame. ‘Ultimately the worst thing is Hana,’ Francis says. ‘She, and all of the shame inside of her she doesn’t address, is the monster at the end of this movie.’
‘Saccharine’ is now playing in theaters and will begin streaming on Shudder on July 24.
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