Sundance 2026: Natalie Erika James' 'Saccharine' Blends Body Horror with Generational Trauma
By
Kate Erbland
The bagel they save for the regulars. Don't skim, savour.
Summary
A review of Natalie Erika James' horror film "Saccharine," which premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. The film follows James' pattern of domestic horror (following "Relic" and "Apartment 7A") and features Midori Francis in a lead role. The review describes the film as a maximalist, gross-out body horror that explores generational trauma, with the actress going to "great, gory extremes." The film is set for release on Shudder and in select theaters starting May 22.
Key quotes
· 3 pulled'Saccharine' feels just as personal as 'Relic,' a generational trauma story for the ages, though the maximalist nature of the film offers a new twist.
Filmmaker Natalie Erika James has never shied away from a haunting: From her breakout hit 'Relic' to her 'Rosemary's Baby' prequel 'Apartment 7A,' the horror star is steadily carving out a real niche in 'the call is coming from inside the house' chillers of all kinds.
The review trusts the actress to go to great, gory extremes.
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