Saccharine is a chilling exploration of the dark side of body image and the extreme lengths people go to achieve their ideals. It's a body horror film that delves into the psychological and supernatural, blending the mundane with the macabre. The movie is a cautionary tale that leaves a lasting impression long after the credits roll.
The film opens with a close-up of food being gobbled, played in reverse, blending the acts of binging and purging with unsettling ease. This sets the tone for the rest of the movie, as we witness Hana's (Midori Francis) struggle with disordered eating. The audience is immediately immersed in the unsettling world of Saccharine, where the pursuit of thinness becomes a terrifying obsession.
Hana's journey begins with a 12-week fitness challenge, a seemingly innocent endeavor, but it quickly becomes a catalyst for her descent into a world of self-harm and supernatural terror. The film explores the inner turmoil of Hana, whose eating habits take on a gruesome new purpose as her attachment to a cadaver, dubbed 'Big Bertha', grows stronger. The dynamic between her parents adds to the sense of unease, with her mother's controlling nature and her father's obesity and housebound lifestyle creating a tense atmosphere.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Saccharine is the exploration of the supernatural. As Hana's weight loss progresses, she starts glimpsing a spirit whose aggressive behavior escalates with each pound shed. This supernatural element adds a layer of complexity to the film, blurring the lines between reality and the unknown. The 'ghost haunts person who ate her ashes' plot is a chilling twist that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
The film also delves into the psychological aspects of Hana's disordered eating. The audience is given a glimpse into the cycle of overeating, regret, and the futile attempts to regain control. The bathroom scale, piles of empty takeout boxes, and the feeling of eating beyond fullness are all depicted with a sense of dread, mirroring the stuff of diet horrors. The film's ability to blend the mundane with the supernatural creates a unique and unsettling experience.
However, not everything in Saccharine works seamlessly. The ending, in particular, raises some questions and may leave some viewers perplexed. Despite this, the sheer discomfort and unease inspired by the film cannot be understated. The level of discomfort is an achievement in itself, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
Saccharine is a thought-provoking and unsettling film that explores the dark side of body image and the extreme lengths people go to achieve their ideals. It's a cautionary tale that serves as a reminder of the dangers of an unhealthy pursuit of thinness. The film's ability to blend the supernatural with the psychological creates a chilling and memorable experience that will stay with the audience long after the credits roll.
