“I’ve certainly seen some ghosts”

Following the neuropsychological dread of Relic and the occult paranoia of Apartment 7A, Natalie Erika James’ latest feature continues her exploration of the emotional fallout of social pressure and painful family histories. Brutal beauty standards and toxic diet culture literally threaten to consume the young protagonist of Saccharine which premiered in Sundance’s Midnight section before running at Berlinale’s Special section. On site in the busy Berlinale Palace, the Japanese-Australian filmmaker talks about the personal origins of the story, the devastating social impact of rigid physical standards, and the elaborate special effects langue shaping the symbolic scares.