“Mother of Flies” Confronts Mortality and Faith Through a Family’s Horror Vision
Streaming on Shudder this Friday, January 23, the indie horror film “Mother of Flies” isn’t shying away from difficult conversations, born from the filmmakers’ own experiences with cancer and loss.
The new film, a “lo-fi ethereal nightmare” as described in early reviews, distinguishes itself not just through its unsettling premise – exploring necromancy and existential questions – but through the deeply personal origins of its story. The film’s co-writer/directors, Toby Poser, Zelda Adams, and John Adams, reveal that audiences often hesitate to fully engage with the film’s themes when they learn just how closely they mirror the family’s own struggles.
“A lot of the dialog comes from our reality,” Zelda Adams explained. “We’re a very open family.”
The Adams family’s approach to filmmaking is rooted in the belief that horror provides a unique space to explore challenging subjects. “You can talk about unorthodox subjects, disguise it in blood, and it’s great,” John Adams stated. “The horror community is very open-minded and very open-hearted with art.”
“Mother of Flies,” a folk allegory that premiered at Fantasia Fest in 2025, garnered important acclaim, earning the Adams family the Cheval noir for Best Film – a first for American filmmakers at the festival. Already well-regarded within the Canadian genre community, the family operates a filmmaking hub from their home in the Catskills region of upstate New york.
The family’s journey to filmmaking began unexpectedly. Zelda Adams recounted being “lucky enough to be born into this family,” raised by two “wonderful creatives.” Filmmaking became a passion early on, with the family creating their first film when Zelda was around six years old. After initially focusing on drama, they discovered a particular affinity for the horror genre.
Music is integral to the Adams’ creative process. Zelda Adams, who started playing drums in the family band Kid california (later evolving into H6LLB6ND6R), notes that their music and films are intrinsically linked. “Our band and our movies are just brother and sister,” she joked. “They’re just hanging out.”
This dual identity – musicians and directors – defines their creative DNA. They transitioned to horror storytelling after finding that the genre offered greater freedom to address complex themes. “When you’re making dramas, you’re a little locked down to real life, reality,” John Adams explained. “In horror, you can talk about any subject… to an audience ready to meet those topics head on.”
That willingness to confront difficult subjects is central to “Mother of Flies.” The film’s genesis lies in the family’s personal experiences with cancer. Toby Poser shared that both she and John Adams have battled the disease – John in 1994 and Toby six years ago. Shortly before filming began, Zelda Adams learned she carries the Lynch syndrome gene, increasing her risk of developing several types of cancer.
“That’s why we made the movie. We love it when somebody cuts right in and hits the hard stuff.” Zelda Adams added that their family has always been transparent about difficult topics, from death to sexuality.
“Mother of Flies” is more than just a film; it’s a statement of artistic intent. toby Poser keeps a rejection letter from the National Endowment for the Arts as a reminder to remain true to their vision. “We’re standing together in rooms and talking about shared hearts,” John Adams agreed. “There’s nothing more significant now.”
At a time when autonomous cinema faces increasing challenges,the Adams family offers a compelling choice – a model of making deeply personal,thought-provoking horror at home,without compromise. “Independent cinema,” Zelda Adams said, “is the most sustainable thing right now, and the most meaningful.”
“Mother of Flies” streams on Shudder Friday, January 23.
