Saccharine (film)
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.
Article
Saccharine (film)
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
Saccharine (film)
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.
Cast
Saccharine (film)
• Midori Francis as Hana • Madeleine Madden as Alanya • Danielle Macdonald as Josie • Robert Taylor as Travis • Showko Showfukutei as Kimie
Production
Saccharine (film)
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.
The cast is led by Midori Francis, Madeleine Madden and Danielle Macdonald.
Principal photography took place across Melbourne, including at Docklands Studios Melbourne and La Trobe University, Brunswick and Beaumaris. Filming was completed in December 2024.
Release
Saccharine (film)
Saccharine premiered in the Midnight section of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on 22 January. Followed by its European premiere at the Special Midnight section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on 18 February.
It is set to be released in Australia as a Stan-original production.
Prior to the film's premiere at Sundance, Independent Film Company and Shudder acquired North American distribution rights.
Accolades
Saccharine (film)
<table><thead><tr><th>Award</th><th>Date of ceremony</th><th>Category</th><th>Recipient(s)</th><th>Result</th><th>Ref.</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Teddy Award</td><td>February 20, 2026</td><td>Best Feature Film</td><td>Natalie Erika James</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>