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‘Saccharine’ Body-Horror Film Exposes Weight-Loss Obsession

6/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Natalie Erika James released Saccharine starring Midori Francis, using body-horror to examine weight-loss obsession, diet culture, addiction and eating human ashes.
James says the film is not a direct reaction to trends, noting that social media has made pressure more insidious.
At Sundance, an audience member passed out and left because of the film’s visceral horror.
Saccharine is in theaters and will stream on Shudder on July 24.

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Story summary

Natalie Erika James released Saccharine starring Midori Francis, using body-horror to examine weight-loss obsession, diet culture, addiction and eating human ashes.
James says the film is not a direct reaction to trends, noting that social media has made pressure more insidious.
At Sundance, an audience member passed out and left because of the film’s visceral horror.
Saccharine is in theaters and will stream on Shudder on July 24.