Natalie Erika James

Natalie Erika James
Interview

Natalie Erika James

Director · Saccharine

Natalie Erika James discusses her approach to building emotionally resonant horror, using sensory filmmaking, sound design, and physical transformation to explore deeply personal themes. The conversation covers Relic, Apartment 7A, and Saccharine, while offering insight into how she balances character-driven storytelling with visceral horror experiences. <br/>

Watch the Interview

Key Topics

• How personal experiences and real-world struggles influence the themes in Relic
• The challenge of directing Apartment 7A within the established world of Rosemary’s Baby
• Building Saccharine’s tactile and sensory approach to food, sound, and discomfort
• Using sound design as a storytelling tool across all three films
• Designing Hannah’s physical transformation and maintaining authenticity throughout the film
• Creating horror that explores deeper themes without sacrificing entertainment value
• Balancing studio filmmaking with the creative freedom of independent horror
• Natalie’s horror influences, including The Others and Asian horror cinema
• Her upcoming Apple TV+ series Ascension and transition into television storytelling