Saccharine (film)
| Saccharine | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Natalie Erika James |
| Written by | Natalie Erika James |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Charlie Sarroff |
| Edited by | Sean Lahiff |
| Music by | Hannah Peel |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Maslow Entertainment |
Release date |
|
Running time | 113 minutes[1] |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
Saccharine is a 2026 Australian horror film written and directed by Natalie Erika James. Starring Midori Francis, Madeleine Madden, Danielle Macdonald, Robert Taylor and Showko Showfukutei.
The film had its world premiere at the Midnight section of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on 22 January.
Premise
After succumbing to an obscure weight-loss craze involving the eating of human ashes, lovelorn medical student Hana finds herself terrorised by the ghost of the person she's eating.[2]
Cast
- Midori Francis as Hana
- Madeleine Madden as Alanya
- Danielle Macdonald as Josie
- Robert Taylor as Travis
- Showko Showfukutei as Kimie
Production
The film is from writer-director Natalie Erika James. It is produced by Anna McLeish and Sarah Shaw of Carver Films. Production also comes from Thrum Films and investment came from Screen Australia, XYZ and Stan, in association with VicScreen. Co-producer is Ben Morgan.[3]
The cast is led by Midori Francis, Madeleine Madden and Danielle Macdonald.[4]
Principal photography took place across Melbourne, including at Docklands Studios Melbourne and La Trobe University, Brunswick and Beaumaris. Filming was completed in December 2024.[5][6][7]
Release
Saccharine premiered in the Midnight section of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on 22 January.[1][8] Followed by its European premiere at the Special Midnight section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on 18 February.[9]
It is set to be released in Australia as a Stan-original production.[10][11]
Prior to the film's premiere at Sundance, Independent Film Company and Shudder acquired North American distribution rights.[12]
Accolades
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teddy Award | February 20, 2026 | Best Feature Film | Natalie Erika James | Nominated | [13] |
References
- ^ a b "Saccharine". 2026 Sundance Film Festival. Retrieved December 18, 2025.
- ^ Slatter, Sean (October 10, 2024). "Screen Australia announces $8.1 million for 15 projects". If.com. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (December 17, 2024). "Midori Francis, Danielle Macdonald & Madeleine Madden Starring In Horror 'Saccharine' For 'Relic' Director, Filming Underway In Australia". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
- ^ Navarro, Maegan (December 17, 2024). "'Saccharine' – New Supernatural Body Horror Movie from 'Relic' Director". Bloody-Disgusting. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
- ^ "Psychological Horror Saccharine Filming in Victoria". Vicscreen. December 17, 2024. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
- ^ Abdullah, Immy (February 18, 2025). "Stan celebrates 10 years of original Australian entertainment with monumental line-up of new shows and movies". Nine. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
- ^ Slatter, Sean (December 18, 2024). "Cameras roll on Natalie Erika James' 'Saccharine' in Melbourne with Midori Francis leading the cast". If.com.au. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
- ^ Gardner, Chris (December 10, 2025). "Sundance Sets 2026 Lineup With Charli XCX, Olivia Wilde, Salman Rushdie and Courtney Love Films". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
- ^ "Saccharine | Berlinale". www.berlinale.de. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
- ^ Whittock, Jesse (February 17, 2025). "Stan Slate: Lydia West, Liv Hewson & Brooke Satchwell Leading Originals For Australian Streamer". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
- ^ Slatter, Sean (February 18, 2025). "Stan announces 14 new commissions including 'Whale Shark Jack' and series 'He Had It Coming', 'Watching You'". If.com.
- ^ Lang, Brent (January 20, 2026). "Independent Film Company, Shudder Buy Supernatural Body Horror Film 'Saccharine' Ahead of Sundance Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
- ^ Yossman, K.J. (February 11, 2026). "Berlinale's Teddy Awards Celebrate 40th Anniversary as Queer Cinema Faces Fresh Threats: 'Globally We're Facing a Backlash'". Variety. Retrieved February 14, 2026.
External links
- Saccharine at IMDb