Filming has officially commenced for the anticipated film *Saccharine* in Australia, marking an exciting venture for the emerging genre of body-horror. This project, featuring Midori Francis—known for her roles in *Grey’s Anatomy* and *The Sex Lives of College Girls*—takes a rather unconventional approach to contemporary issues surrounding body image and societal pressures. Directed by Natalie Erika James, the film is her third feature following well-received works including the acclaimed horror film *Relic* and the Julia Garner-led project *Apartment 7A*. James collaborates once again with producers Anna McLeish and Sarah Shaw from Carver Films, both of whom have been pivotal in several high-profile horror productions.
At the heart of *Saccharine* lies an unsettling narrative that follows Hana, played by Francis, a medical student grappling with her self-worth. The film’s premise—wherein Hana is haunted by a ghost resulting from her entanglement with a grotesque weight-loss ritual involving the consumption of human ashes—delivers an imaginative yet deeply unsettling metaphor for the obsession with body image that permeates modern culture. This bizarre concept not only serves as a classic horror trope but also allows for a critical exploration of the lengths individuals might go to for acceptance and personal validation.
Joining Francis in this chilling narrative are Danielle Macdonald, who portrays Josie, Hana’s supportive best friend, and Madeleine Madden, cast as Alanya, a fitness influencer. Their performances promise to enrich the story’s emotional depth, providing a nuanced understanding of relationships amid trauma and self-discovery in an often superficial world.
*Saccharine* is being produced by Carver Films in collaboration with Thrum Films and is supported by various Australian production entities, including Screen Australia and VicScreen. The film is positioned for theatrical release in Australia and New Zealand by Maslow Entertainment and will also premiere as a Stan Original Film on the streaming platform Stan. These elements indicate a strong commitment to promoting Australian cinema, particularly in a genre that addresses significant social themes.
This project—set against the picturesque backdrop of Melbourne, particularly the Docklands Studios—will not only entertain but incite discourse surrounding the pervasive issues of body image and societal expectations, making it a crucial addition to the horror genre. As James articulates, *Saccharine* provides a lens into the often debilitating struggles with self-worth and societal pressures, all infused with a queer perspective and a touch of the absurd.
The producers, Anna McLeish and Sarah Shaw, express their enthusiasm for reuniting with James, characterizing the project as “exploding off the page” with its bold vision. Their excitement illustrates the collaborative effort to tackle difficult societal themes through a horror narrative that is both visceral and thought-provoking.
As awareness grows about the toxic messaging found within societal standards of beauty, *Saccharine* emerges as a cautionary tale, reminding audiences that our fixation on image can lead to horrifying realities. This film strives to transform fear into dialogue, encouraging viewers to confront the often terrifying expectations placed on them by society.
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