The Sundance Film Festival doesn’t open until Thursday, but Independent Film Company and Shudder wasted no time in getting ahead of the curve by acquiring Natalie Erica James’ supernatural horror “Saccharine” from XYZ Films ahead of its world premiere.
The film tells the story of a heartbroken medical student who is threatened by an evil force after participating in a secret weight-loss craze by eating human bones. Starring Midori Francis (Grey’s Anatomy), Danielle Macdonald (Patty Cake$), and Madeline Madden (Wheel of Time). “Saccharine” was written and directed by James. This is the third feature-length film, following IFC Midnight’s debut psychological horror film “Relic” and “Apartment 7A”, the prequel to “Rosemary’s Baby” starring Julia Garner.
“I’m really excited to be working with IFC and Shudder again after our experience releasing ‘Relic’ together in 2020,” said James. “They are a great team with a deep understanding of the genre and a serious commitment to filmmakers.”
The deal includes rights in North America and the UK, with Saccharine set to be released in theaters ahead of Shudder’s debut sometime in 2026. The film will be screened at this year’s Sundance, the last of the festival in Park City, Utah. In 2027, Sundance will move to Boulder, Colorado.
“Natalie distinguished herself with her unforgettable debut film, ‘Relic,’ which we were honored to bring to audiences through IFC Midnight in 2020,” said Emily Gott, senior vice president of acquisitions and production at Shudder. “With ‘Saccharine,’ she returns with a chilling and wholly original vision that penetrates our deepest obsessions with body image, reaffirming her work as genre cinema’s leading voice.”
“Saccharine” is a production of Carver Films and Slam Films. This production was funded by Screen Australia in partnership with VicScreen and in collaboration with XYZ Films, IPR.VC and Stan. The film is produced by James, Anna McLeish and Sarah Shaw. The deal was negotiated by Got for Shudder with XYZ Films on behalf of the filmmakers.
