The Adams Family, an independent filmmaking group, has unveiled the chilling first trailer for their upcoming horror film, Mother of Flies. Scheduled to premiere on the horror streaming platform Shudder on January 23, 2026, the film follows a desperate family’s attempt to defy death, only to confront something far more terrifying.
In the trailer, we meet Mickey, who faces a terminal diagnosis that threatens to cut her life short. Seeking a glimmer of hope, she turns to a local witch named Solveig, known for her alleged ability to stave off impending death. Mickey’s father, Jake, though skeptical, agrees to accompany her in a bid to save her life. The encounter with Solveig leads them into a series of disturbing and gruesome rituals that last three harrowing days. As Solveig ominously states, “to rule death, one must love it…lie with it.” The visuals in the trailer hint that the “cure” may indeed be worse than the disease, featuring unsettling imagery of maggots, corpses, and other nightmarish elements.
About the Adams Family and Their Previous Work
Directed and written by John Adams, Zelda Adams, and Toby Poser, Mother of Flies represents a family collaboration. Poser not only co-wrote the film but also produced it, while John Adams serves as the director of photography and editor. The film features performances from Lulu Adams, James Lindsay, Noble Wilson-Eiden, and Jessica Beveridge. The score is brought to life by the family’s band, H6LLB6ND6R.
The Adams Family is not to be confused with the fictional characters created by Charles Addams. They are a family of self-taught filmmakers, comprising husband and wife duo John Adams and Toby Poser, along with their children, Lulu and Zelda. Their breakout feature was Hellbender, released in 2021, which was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This film, a tale of a mother-daughter duo living in isolation, became a sleeper hit on Shudder, praised for its metaphorical exploration of growing up. Critics noted it as a “monumental, eternally chilling metaphor for the pains of growing up,” according to Collider’s Joel Medina.
Critical Reception and Upcoming Release
Following its premiere at the renowned Fantastic Fest last summer, Mother of Flies received critical acclaim, currently holding a 100% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film’s unique blend of horror and family dynamics promises to offer a fresh perspective in the genre.
As anticipation builds for its release, horror enthusiasts and fans of the Adams Family can look forward to a gripping experience when Mother of Flies premieres on Shudder in just over two years. Stay connected with Collider for more updates on this and future projects from the Adams Family.
