That Sugar Film
| Company type | Documentary film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founder | Damon Gameau |
| Products | Documentary film |
| Website | www |
That Sugar Film is a 2014 documentary from Australia, both directed by and featuring Damon Gameau. This film explores the concealed sugars present in everyday foods and their effects on human health.
Plot
The documentary follows Gameau’s personal trial, in which he transitions from a diet free of refined sugars to one that is low in fat but high in sugar, consuming approximately 160 grams (40 teaspoons) of sugar each day. Despite maintaining the same caloric intake, this change resulted in weight gain, fatigue, and the onset of fatty liver disease.
Interviews with specialists attribute these health issues mainly to excessive sugar consumption, particularly fructose, while indicating that artificial sweeteners might not provide any significant benefit.
The film introduces the idea of the "bliss point"—the ideal amount of sugar that enhances a food’s appeal to its maximum, after which its attractiveness diminishes.
Following the conclusion of his dietary experiment, Gameau returned to his original eating habits, which quickly reversed most of the adverse health consequences.
Cast
In addition to Gameau leading the film, appearances include Hugh Jackman, Stephen Fry, Isabel Lucas, and Brenton Thwaites. Expert commentary is provided by figures such as Gary Taubes, Michael Moss, and Dr. Kimber Stanhope. The soundtrack features artists like Depeche Mode, Peter Gabriel, and Florence and the Machine. Gameau’s partner, actress Zoe Tuckwell-Smith, is shown during pregnancy, with their daughter appearing post-birth during filming.
Reception
Reviews from the United States were mostly favorable. The New York Times commended its "lighthearted mix of animation, musical segments, sketches, and quirky field visits" that made "nutritional information easy to understand." The Hollywood Reporter acknowledged Gameau’s earnest approach and his ability to make a challenging topic approachable. In contrast, Slate described the documentary as "overly manufactured" with "weak, artificial reasoning."
An Australian critique in The Sydney Morning Herald suggested the film lacked sufficient rigor to substantiate its claims. On the other hand, SBS Australia hailed it as "one of Australia’s most successful documentaries."
The Documentary Australia Foundation endorsed it as an educational tool, stating that "THAT SUGAR FILM will permanently alter your perception of what constitutes 'healthy' food."
References
- That Sugar Film: how 60 days of eating 'health food' led to fatty liver disease, The Guardian, 2 March 2015
- Film Review: 'That Sugar Film', Variety, 13 July 2015