Saccharine (2026): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
Saccharine is a 2026 drama horror film directed by Natalie Erika James, starring Midori Francis as Hana, Robert Taylor and Danielle Macdonald. It runs 1 hour 52 minutes and earned $582,596 worldwide. Critics gave it 62 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 52m (112 min)
- Director
- Natalie Erika James
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Carver Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Saccharine About?
The premise of Saccharine without spoilers.
Hana (Midori Francis), a lovelorn medical student, becomes terrorized by a sinister force after taking part in an obscure weight-loss craze: eating human ashes.
Saccharine Cast & Characters
Midori Francis leads the cast as Hana, with Robert Taylor as Travis and Danielle Macdonald as Josie. Directed by Natalie Erika James; 20 actors are credited in all.
- Director Natalie Erika James
-
Midori Francis as Hana -
Robert Taylor as Travis -
Danielle Macdonald as Josie -
Nicole Cyrille as Audio Description Narrator
Also Starring in Saccharine
· 16 more- Madeleine Madden Alanya
- Emily Milledge Georgie
- Andre Ong Carlesso Lecturer
- Sam Ready Gym Student
- Joseph Baldwin Ryan
- Lisa Crittenden Helen
- Daniela Rene Fink Tattoo Artist
- Lucy Goleby Lucy Childs
- Darius Googe Nurse
- Rachel Khalaf Extra, Spin Class, Gym Patron
- Jeremiah Louis Nightclub DJ
- Mackenzie McLaren Tik Tok Influencer
- Annie Shapero Melissa
- Showko Showfukutei Kimie
- Maya Arielle Nurse
- Anna Adams
More from Natalie Erika James
More films directed by Natalie Erika James, best-rated first: Relic, Apartment 7A, Drum Wave and Creswick.
Saccharine Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Saccharine 62 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 73/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in story & flow (55).
Saccharine Echo Score Breakdown
Overall, Saccharine delivers a compelling visual and thematic experience that is tempered by uneven storytelling and pacing. Critics and viewers alike commend the striking cinematography and Midori Francis' strong performance, while many note that the narrative often meanders and leaves plot gaps. The film’s sensory elements, including its unsettling score and atmospheric design, enhance the horror but do not fully compensate for its structural flaws. Consequently, the movie offers a mixed but memorable impression that may appeal to genre‑enthusiasts.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 70
In terms of art and craft, Saccharine showcases striking imagery and a strong visual sense that many reviewers praise. The direction yields vivid compositions and effective set pieces, though critics point to inconsistent editing and pacing that weaken overall cohesion. While the cinematography stands out, the film’s execution falls short of sustaining its visual momentum throughout.
- Character & Emotion 90
When evaluating character and emotion, the film benefits from Midori Francis' nuanced performance and solid supporting work that resonates with audiences. Both critics and users highlight the depth of the lead’s raw emotions, describing the acting as a primary strength. Although some viewers find ancillary relationships underdeveloped, the overall acting calibre elevates the material.
- Story & Flow 55
The story and flow of Saccharine are marked by originality but suffer from irregular pacing and occasional plot holes. Reviewers frequently mention a confusing narrative structure that hampers engagement, while occasional positive notes cite an effective climax. The mixed reception reflects a premise that intrigues yet struggles to maintain coherent momentum.
- Sensory Experience 80
Sensory experience in Saccharine receives consistent praise for its atmospheric sound design and unsettling score. Critics and users note the dark imagery, inventive music cues, and effective use of sound to build dread. Minor critiques address pacing within sensory sequences, but the overall auditory‑visual texture remains a highlight of the film.
- Rewatch Factor 70
Rewatch potential emerges as a notable aspect, with several critics suggesting the film invites a second viewing to unpack its layers. Audience reactions are mixed; some express willingness to revisit for its unique horror concepts, while others hesitate due to narrative fatigue. Overall, the film holds enough intrigue to merit at least one additional screening for interested viewers.
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Metacritic 62 Metascore
User score 6.6
See on Metacritic
Saccharine Box Office
Saccharine grossed $582,596 worldwide. $115,653 came from the US and Canada and $466,943 (80%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$582.6K
- US & Canada
- $115.7K
- International
- $466.9K
Saccharine Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 featurette.
- Featurette Meet the Artist 2026: Natalie Erika James on “Saccharine”
Seen Saccharine?
Articles About Saccharine
Our article about Saccharine: “Saccharine (2026) Review & Critics Opinions – Audience Reception, Performance, Storytelling & Horror Thriller Analysis”.
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Opinions
Saccharine FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Saccharine, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Saccharine?
Saccharine runs 1 hour 52 minutes (112 minutes).
When was Saccharine released?
Saccharine was released on May 22, 2026.
Who directed Saccharine?
Saccharine was directed by Natalie Erika James.
More films by Natalie Erika James Who is in the cast of Saccharine?
Saccharine stars Midori Francis as Hana, Robert Taylor as Travis and Danielle Macdonald as Josie, among 20 credited actors.
How much did Saccharine make at the box office?
Saccharine grossed $582,596 worldwide ($115,653 domestic, $466,943 international).
How is Saccharine rated?
Saccharine has 62 on Metacritic.
Does Saccharine have a post-credit scene?
No. Saccharine has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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