‘Saccharine’ Review – An Insatiable, Image-Obsessed Body Horror With Plenty To Say

Synopsis: Hana, a lovelorn medical student, becomes terrorized by a sinister force after taking part in an obscure weight-loss craze: eating human ashes.

Say the difficult or uncomfortable thing. More often than not, it needed to be said. There’s a reason horror is currently making a strong push to the top of pop culture conversation: it’s saying and revealing everything society has failed to stop or express out loud. Every few decades, the genre captures the attention of the masses not only with scares and gore but also with poignant messages that challenge the status quo. With creative, powerful visuals and performances to match, horror needs more respect.

“I’m a completely new person, and it’s thanks to those pills.”

What lengths would you go to in order to achieve the ideal body? Will it be worth it? Written and directed by Natalie Erika James, Saccharine is an insatiable, image-obsessed body horror with plenty to say. This topical, intimate examination of one woman’s journey of physical transformation is a psychologically unhinged, morbid cautionary tale. Highlighting the current obsession with popular weight loss trends and our lack of knowledge of their ingredients or side effects, the terror lies in the unknown, the unpredictable, and the barely seen. Elevated by a strong performance by Midori Francis, this is a film that raises a multitude of questions and offers macabre chills in the process.

Despite its singular character focus, this universal narrative effortlessly represents society at large. Whether you’re taking or have thought about taking a “miracle drug”, if the price didn’t deter you, what about the long-term effects? What if what you were consuming was human remains? And what if consuming said human remains resulted in an unpredictable and devious supernatural visitor? Saccharine is an eerie exercise in self-worth and control. This nightmarish scenario pushes its subject, Hana, to the brink mentally while attacking her physically. While its plot is abruptly thrust upon the audience, the story quickly levels out by the next scene. With Hana being a medical student working with cadavers, after she discovers a dark secret, what appears to be an auspicious situation ultimately becomes a perfect storm for bad decisions and deserved circumstances. Nevertheless, as it brings things such as beauty standards, body dysmorphia, bulimia, and sleep eating to the forefront, it fails to have full answers to the conversations it starts.

“You look sick, Hana.”

While it may not be the focus, its queer subplot is the launchpad for the entire story. Wanting to attract the person you have eyes for will make you do crazy things. Unfortunately for Hana, once she makes a grotesque decision, love becomes secondary to the task of surviving a gluttonous, sinister force. Aside from a superb performance, the sound design stands out as one of the best takeaways. Somewhat reminiscent of films like Malignant and The Substance, Saccharine will definitely stay with you. However, with its runtime being a tad too long, leaving some stones unturned, and big gaps between supernatural happenings, the feature as a whole falls somewhere in the middle. Nevertheless, the concept is genius and the aesthetic and score fit perfectly; it just could’ve benefited from a darker, more urgent script. Its rewatchability is medium.

Pace & Pop

Unfortunately, the film could’ve benefited from a faster pace and a shorter runtime. While its methodical speed builds an eerie atmosphere, it fails to capitalize on moments that could drive home its horrors. What really popped for me was the sound design. Immediately, the sound design serves as a necessary and pivotal mechanism that bolsters the fear and discomfort in each scene. I can still hear the stomach gurgles.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Midori Francis, Danielle Macdonald, Madeleine Madden

Midori Francis’ performance is the jolt that gives this film life. From the desperation to the slow descent into complete ghostly chaos, Francis delivers a wide range of emotions. Her commitment to the role, as well as her chemistry with each cast member, leaves a lasting impression. It’s one of the best horror performances of the year.

Saccharine releases in theaters on May 22, 2026, followed by a Shudder streaming release in July. Stay safe and stay woke.

Rated: R Runtime: 1h 52m Director: Natalie Erika James Writer: Natalie Erika James Producers: Natalie Erika James, Anna Mcleish & Sarah Shaw Co-Producer: Ben Morgan Cinematographer: Charlie Sarroff Production Design: Josephine Wagstaff Editor: Sean Lahiff, ase Sound Design: Robert Mackenzie Composer: Hannah Peel Hair & Makeup: Larry Van Duynhoven Costume Design: Stephanie Hooke