In a world where body image and diet culture are ever-present, the psychological horror film 'Saccharine' dares to delve into the dark and disturbing realm of obsession and addiction. Writer-director Natalie Erika James, in a recent interview, revealed that the film's exploration of these themes was not solely driven by current trends but rather by a desire to address an evergreen conversation.
The film's premise, involving a medical student's descent into terror after indulging in a bizarre dieting fad, feels eerily relevant. James acknowledges that while the film isn't a direct response to the moment, it taps into a deeper, insidious issue exacerbated by social media.
"Saccharine" employs body horror as a powerful tool to analyze modern beauty standards. This genre, as James and the film's star Midori Francis note, excels at externalizing internal struggles, allowing for extreme and surreal imagery to depict the depths of human obsession.
Francis, who plays Hana, the film's central character, found a profound connection to the story's truth, even amidst its outlandish elements. She highlights the film's ability to capture the internal battles of compulsion and obsession, a struggle often unseen by others but deafeningly loud within the mind.
The film's impact extends beyond the screen. James shares a story of a viewer passing out during a Sundance screening, a reminder of the visceral nature of body horror. Francis, too, notices a shift in audience perception, with some feeling uneasy in her presence post-screening.
Both James and Francis are acutely aware of the film's challenging nature. James emphasizes the need for trigger warnings, acknowledging the intensity of depicting binging on screen. She advises that the film is not for those at their darkest point, ensuring a transparent approach to its subject matter.
The film's choice to personify the menace as a larger character has sparked interesting feedback. James encourages viewers to see this through Hana's distorted lens, a reflection of her fears and the fatphobic culture she inhabits. Francis agrees, believing Hana is afraid of the wrong thing, ultimately realizing that her own internal shame is the true monster.
"Saccharine" is now playing in theaters and will begin streaming on Shudder on July 24, offering a thought-provoking and timely exploration of body image and the horrors that can lurk within.
