Mother of Flies – Movie Review | Shudder (4/5)

MOTHER OF FLIES on Shudder is the latest movie from the insanely talented Adams Family. This one offers yet another strong horror production. The kind of movie where nature plays a huge role in the plot, while human nature is the instigator. It’s slowburn, but also quite intense, and offers delicious body horror moments. Read our full Mother of Flies movie review here!

MOTHER OF FLIES is now on Shudder, and you will want to watch this one. Unfortunately, I missed it during Fantasia 2025, where it went on to win Best Film. And yes, that only made me even more annoyed that I wasn’t able to watch it. Fortunately, all good things come to those who wait, right?! Well, usually. Let’s face it, sometimes you need to go after stuff yourself.

In the case of Mother of Lies, however, I was very pleased to finally get to watch it, as it’s about to premiere on Shudder. If you’re familiar with movies by the Adams Family, then you’ll have an idea of what to expect. And yes, this is one of the best they have made, which should tell you a lot. Also, if you’re a fan of body horror and nature-fueled plots, then you’re in for a huge treat with this one.

Continue reading our Mother of Flies movie review below. Find it on Shudder from January 23, 2026.

Can witchcraft cure cancer?

At the very heart of Mother of Flies, this is the question that needs to be answered: Can witchcraft cure cancer? At least that’s what Mickey (Zelda Adams) wants to find out. Having beaten cancer once already, it has returned with a vengeance, and the doctors have effectively given up on her.

As things stand, she has nothing to lose, so she’s ready to give dark magic from a witch in the woods a try.

Of course, we all know that nothing is free, and this cure will also come with a cost. What it is and how she will be expected to pay is part of the plot.

The witch in question is the mysterious recluse, Solveig (Toby Poser), who works with death in a very unique way. Her intimate relationship with nature has roots that go deep. All Mickey knows is that for three days, she must endure Solveig’s extreme rituals. And she knows that these are rituals of death magic, so we are clearly deep in the realm of dark magic.

With Mickey is her father (John Adams), who finds himself torn between wanting to support his daughter, while hating to watch her suffer. Also, on a more selfish note, he understandably wants to keep her for as long as possible.

Stunning visuals almost make you forget the darkness

When watching Mother of Flies, I was so blown away by the beautiful visuals of nature in all its glory. At times, I almost forgot that this was a dark story about death magic, as nature is also so full of life. Even death will ultimately bring new life. And we all know the human body wasn’t made to last forever.

Using cancer as the driver for this particular story is both realistic and, sadly, all-too-relatable for many of us. In this story, cancer attacks the youngest member of a small family that has already experienced loss, and it reminds us that none of us is safe. However, we all still choose what to do when faced with death.

I loved how we saw the hopeful and adventurous side of Mickey, who had nothing to lose. All while also being confronted with her father’s fears and anger about the situation.

When “thoughts and prayers” are no longer enough (is it ever, really?!) and the science of modern medicine says there is no hope, nature and magic seem a logical place to turn towards. Well, it does to me, anyway. Maybe that’s why Mother of Flies resonated so much with me. All while still recognising that, of course, you try all the science available first… then you try anything that might help.

As always, the acting from this family is stellar, the story is strong and organic, and the special effects work perfectly. I am, once again, in awe of what this family brings to the world of horror movies – and folk horror based in nature, in particular.

Watch Mother of Flies on Shudder

As always, a movie by the Adams Family is written and directed by all (or most) of the four family members. For Mother of Flies, the writers and director were Zelda Adams, John Adams, and Toby Poser. I’ve already mentioned that this movie won Fantasia’s Cheval Noir for Best Film at the Fantasia International Film Festival 2025. However, I also want to mention that it was the first U.S. film to win this.

I almost can’t imagine anyone more deserving of this honor than the Fantasia regulars of the Adams Family. Personally, I always look forward to what they come out with. Even if I’m not crazy about a movie of theirs, I know it’s still made with heart and that the production quality is breathtaking.

Now that it’s coming to Shudder, you’ll get to enjoy this latest creation from the Adams as well. Admittedly, I almost find myself getting tics every time I write Adams family because Toby Poser (the matriarch of the filmmaker family) isn’t named Adams. Still, I’m confident she knows all the glory is at least as much directed at her. Mother of Flies has a runtime of 92 minutes, which is pretty much ideal for it.

MOTHER OF FLIES premieres on Shudder on January 23, 2026.

Details

Written & Directed by: Zelda Adams, John Adams, and Toby Poser
Starring: Toby Poser, John Adams, Zelda Adams, Lulu Adams