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Saccharine: Shudder Acquires Gripping Horror Ahead of Sundance

1/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Independent Film Company and Shudder acquired Saccharine, directed by Natalie Erika James, ahead of its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
The story follows Hana, a lovelorn medical student terrorized after joining a weight-loss craze involving human ashes.
The cast includes Midori Francis, Danielle Macdonald, and Madeleine Madden.
Saccharine will release in North America and the UK before streaming on Shudder in 2026.

History

Historical Context

The 2011 Sundance Film Festival marked a significant moment for independent cinema, showcasing 118 feature films, a notable increase in acquisitions, and a focus on diverse narratives. With Robert Redford emphasizing support for alternative voices, the festival's success reflected a shift towards streaming platforms, as seen with Shudder's growth to over 1 million subscribers by 2020, highlighting evolving audience demands in film.

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Story summary

Independent Film Company and Shudder acquired Saccharine, directed by Natalie Erika James, ahead of its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
The story follows Hana, a lovelorn medical student terrorized after joining a weight-loss craze involving human ashes.
The cast includes Midori Francis, Danielle Macdonald, and Madeleine Madden.
Saccharine will release in North America and the UK before streaming on Shudder in 2026.

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