Midori Francis Takes a Bold Turn in 'Saccharine': A Deep Dive into Body Horror
Midori Francis' New Role in 'Saccharine'
Midori Francis has carved out a niche for herself in queer roles, gaining recognition for her performances in shows like 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'The Sex Lives of College Girls'. However, her latest venture, the supernatural body horror film 'Saccharine', represents a notable shift in her career. In this film, the 32-year-old actress plays Hana, a medical student who battles internalized fatphobia, family issues, and a crush on her gym instructor, all while becoming involved with a weight-loss pill that harbors a dark secret: human ash. In a recent chat with PEOPLE, Francis opened up about the personal hurdles she faced while preparing for this role, the film's tight shooting schedule, and her future aspirations.
'Saccharine', helmed by director Natalie Erika James, explores the intricate themes of body image, self-esteem, and the compulsions that arise from shame, all through a supernatural lens. The film also stars Danielle Macdonald as Hana's loyal best friend and Showko Showfukutei as her quirky yet lovable mother. As part of the emerging beauty horror genre, 'Saccharine' joins the ranks of films like 'The Ugly Stepsister' and 'The Substance'. Due to its sensitive subject matter, James has provided a trigger warning for viewers who may be affected by eating disorders.
Francis shared that her choice to take on this role was deeply influenced by her own battles with eating disorders and family addiction. She stated, "I would never have even approached this if I didn't have years of therapy and an ongoing journey towards healing." She highlighted the significance of channeling her darker emotions through acting, saying, "There's no antidote to shame quite like making a movie like this." Francis also commended James for her genuine understanding of the struggles portrayed in the film, emphasizing the script's compassionate depiction of being ensnared by one's compulsions.
The filming of 'Saccharine' took place in Melbourne, Australia, under a rigorous timeline. Francis had just wrapped up her extensive 38-episode stint on 'Grey's Anatomy' just two days before diving into this project. "I got off the plane probably around 6 a.m., and I was in fittings for Hana's costumes by about 8 a.m.," she recalled. Despite the hectic schedule, Francis forged strong bonds with her co-stars, especially with Macdonald, with whom she felt an immediate connection during their first table read.
Reflecting on her experience portraying Hana, Francis expressed a newfound compassion for both the character and herself. "By having that empathy for Hana, there were potentially parts of myself that I also gave empathy toward," she remarked. As the film is released amidst ongoing conversations about weight-loss drugs, Francis underscored the cultural significance of its themes. Looking to the future, she hinted at a desire to explore villainous roles and continue her journey in the horror genre, which she believes is undergoing a renaissance. 'Saccharine' is currently showing in theaters and will soon be available for streaming.