SACCHARINE Review: A Mixed Message Among the Horror

Introduction

Despite a commitment to gross-out horror included with food, Natalie Erika James’ Saccharine eventually falls victim to its own ideas. While it tries to include modern issues of body image into horror, the end result concludes with no clear message to speak of.

The idea of incorporating larger societal issues into horror is a great idea (and one of the staples of the genre). But the film never figures out how to land the plane. Some powerful visuals and stomach-turning sound design aside, the film never manages to have an actual message on the issues it raises. The result is much like the multitudes of treats eaten on-screen: empty calories.

Synopsis

Midori Francis stars as Hana, a first-year medical student stressed with her schoolwork and lost in love. At the gym, she notices trainer Alanya (Madeleine Madden) and her impressive physique. Out on the town with her best friend Josie (Danielle Macdonald), Hana runs into former classmate Melissa (Annie Shapero), who has shed a significant amount of weight. Melissa gives her two of her miracle pills, which claims to drop the weight despite eating whatever you want.

Hana takes the first pill, then analyzes the second, only to discover the capsules filled with human ash. Realizing the potential, Hana utilizes the medical student study corpse as a means of supply. Hana’s intake causes a monumental shift in her body composition, but also come accompanied by the haunting of the ghost of the woman she is ingesting.

Themes/Message

The film touches, but never concludes on issues around body positivity, diet and exercise culture, and generational trauma through body size. If the film had ever settled on any one issue, then maybe the conclusion wouldn’t feel so incomplete. Unfortunately, the themes keep getting pilled on until too many rear their head at once. There is a fascinating horror idea around food and death, but some of the routes the film takes to get there are odd, and can be downright harmful.

On the plus side, the film’s visual language is one of confidence. A spooky atmosphere is maintained without resorting to cheap tricks like overly dark hallways and jump scares. Instead, the film utilizes the idea of claustrophobia and the ever-presence of spirits to create tension. Any time food is on screen, there stands to reason a chance for nausea. As someone who abhors the sound of people eating and the visuals that accompany the act, this was a squirm-inducing watch. You will never look at a can of body butter the same.

Cast

Francis does a capable job in the lead role, propelling the action in almost every frame. Both she and the filmmakers do a fine job of making Hana out to be slightly overweight at the beginning of the film to the slight frame by the film’s end. Francis never has the chance to go fully unhinged, but the glimpses of a more zany performance is there. Hana is shown to be fully sane, and Francis never allows her performance to go too far over the edge of sanity.

Macdonald doesn’t get much to do for the first two-thirds of the movie, but shows herself to be an ever-capable performer when Josie is called upon in the film’s final 30 minutes. Madden comes across the best of the supporting cast, first seeming to be little more than a love interest, then shifting into a capable romantic partner, and culminating into a sweet companion. Showko Showfukutei makes quite the impression as Hana’s dutiful mother, as does Robert Taylor in a surprise role I won’t spoil here.

Conclusion

Saccharine will prove memorable as a novelty piece of horror, but any attempts to transcend the horror genre get lost in translation. It’s a real missed opportunity.

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