MOTHER OF FLIES Is a Witchy Dark Fairytale Wrapped in Body Horror Bow (Review)

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I was immediately hooked by the trailer for Mother of Flies, the new Adams Family horror film. It presented a dark and enchanting fairytale about a mysterious healer living in the woods. A father and daughter desperately seek her help, hoping she can cure their terminal illness. As anyone familiar with horror or fairytales knows, magic always comes with a cost. Mother of Flies largely delivers on its promise of exploring themes of sickness, death, and strange powers, all wrapped in a visually striking and unsettling package.

The film introduces us to Mickey (Zelda Adams), who has been battling a long-term illness. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, doctors have given her only a few months to live. But she finds a glimmer of hope in a dream, a call for healing from Solveig (Toby Poser), an enigmatic woman with a striking style – she always wears flowing black clothing. Solveig is a captivating character and perfectly embodies this haunting, all-black aesthetic.

In “Mother of Flies,” Mickey seeks help from Solveig, a woman living off the land, and brings her skeptical father, Jake, along. The film explores Solveig’s unconventional healing methods and reveals her tragic past through flashbacks. While these shifts in time can feel disjointed, they add depth to Solveig’s complex character, subverting the typical “evil witch” trope. Despite a small cast, Mickey and Jake feel somewhat underdeveloped beyond their basic motivations. The plot isn’t straightforward; it unfolds more like a dream, relying on striking visuals and cinematography. The film excels in its atmosphere, with impressive practical and visual effects, and a sound design that captures the feeling of an isolated, yet vibrant, environment. “Mother of Flies” tackles difficult themes surrounding terminal illness with honesty, depicting the physical and emotional realities of disease. It’s a deeply personal film for the creators, and that sincerity comes through. Though it contains gore, it’s not typical mainstream horror. Those seeking jump scares or fast-paced thrills might be disappointed. This is a slower, more thoughtful film, clocking in at just over 90 minutes, with philosophical dialogue that requires attention. It’s an engaging watch that demands your focus, and while the dialogue can be intentionally awkward, it ultimately serves the film’s themes. “Mother of Flies” is a meditation on facing a terminal diagnosis, reclaiming control, and the healing power of nature. It’s available to stream on Shudder starting January 23rd. (Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars)

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2026-01-20 17:33