The highly anticipated horror film, Mother of Flies, has released its first trailer, providing a haunting glimpse into a story that explores the lengths a family will go to defy death. Set to premiere on the horror streaming service Shudder on January 23, 2026, the film is directed and written by the Adams family trio of John Adams, Zelda Adams, and Toby Poser.
The trailer introduces viewers to Mickey, a young girl facing a terminal diagnosis. In a desperate bid to extend her life, Mickey turns to a local witch named Solveig, whose unsettling reputation raises doubts in her father, Jake. Despite his reservations, Jake agrees to accompany Mickey on this ominous journey. As the trailer unfolds, Solveig subjects them to a series of gruesome rituals over three harrowing days, accompanied by the chilling line, “to rule death, one must love it… lie with it.”
Visuals in the trailer depict disturbing imagery, including writhing maggots and desiccated corpses, hinting that the cure may be more terrifying than the disease itself. The film’s dark themes are underscored by its unsettling aesthetic, capturing a sense of dread and anticipation.
The Adams family has carved a niche in the indie horror scene, with their breakout film, Hellbender, released in 2021. Shot during the COVID-19 pandemic at their home, Hellbender tells the story of a mother-daughter duo living in isolation, which resonated with audiences and became a sleeper hit on Shudder. Critics praised it as “a monumental, eternally chilling metaphor for the pains of growing up,” according to Collider‘s Joel Medina.
In addition to Mother of Flies, the family has produced other notable films such as The Deeper You Dig and Where The Devil Roams. Their collaborative approach to filmmaking is evident in the production of Mother of Flies, with Poser also taking on the role of producer, while John serves as the editor and director of photography.
The film had its premiere at last summer’s Fantastic Fest, where it received acclaim from critics and currently holds a 100% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. With its chilling premise and the unique vision of the Adams family, Mother of Flies promises to be a standout addition to the horror genre when it debuts on Shudder. As anticipation builds, fans of horror are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates on this captivating film.