Australian director Natalie Erika James is set to release a new body horror film titled Saccharine, which delves into eating disorders and body dysmorphia.
The film follows medical student Hana, played by Midori Francis, who becomes obsessed with losing weight after encountering an old friend who used miracle weight loss pills.
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A Disturbing Discovery
Hana investigates the pills and finds they contain human ashes. Despite this, she begins manufacturing her own version using a corpse donated to medical science.
The narrative draws from Buddhist mythology about the hungry ghost, serving as an allegory for insatiable desire.
The film opts for a slow, haunting atmosphere rather than constant scares.
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Francis delivers a restrained performance as the central character. James blends supernatural horror with corporeal dread, avoiding conventional ghost movie tropes.
The visual design presents internal anatomy in ways that mimic food, creating imagery that is both desirable and disgusting.
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Saccharine will be released in Australian cinemas on July 9 and will stream on Shudder in the United States starting July 24.
