Fans of folk horror have been eating well over the last few years, and Shudder is looking to keep that winning streak going with its upcoming film, Mother of Flies. Today, as part of Collider’s Exclusive Preview event ahead of this year’s Fantastic Fest, we’re thrilled to debut a brand-new, never-before-seen image from the latest film to come from the filmmaking trio known as the Adams Family. Just like the fictional spooky and kooky family with whom they share a name, this group has a love for all things macabre and unsettling, which audiences attending the yearly film event will see during the title’s United States premiere.
In our exclusive shot, viewers will see the haunted and battered face of Zelda Adams, who stars in the production as Mickey. From what we know about the plot, Mickey seeks out the help of a mysterious forest dweller whom she believes can save her from a grim diagnosis. As the image reveals, Mickey bites off more than she can chew after entering the woods and — by the emotion in her eyes — it looks like she’s stumbled upon something she’ll never be able to unsee.
Joining Mickey in her quest for health is her father, Jake (John Adams), who accompanies his ailing daughter as she sets out to find the woman known as Solveig (Toby Poser). Rumors of Solveig’s strong bond with this plane of being and the afterlife have long been whispered by those outside the woods, making her the person that Mickey and Jake know they can count on to turn the former’s luck around. Over three days, Mickey and Solveig practice death magic to cure her, but, as the synopsis says, “every cure has its cost, and every curse is another’s gift.” Fighting for her survival, Mickey will inadvertently be forced to face secrets that she thought were long buried and will go head-to-head with her darkest nightmares.
Where Else Has the Adams Family Left Their Stamp?
Mother of Flies is the latest genre flick to be a family affair for the Adams’, as the trio of writers, directors, and actors have previously brought audiences Hell Hole and Hellbender — both of which were also released through Shudder. Ahead of its U.S. premiere at Fantastic Fest, the title celebrated its world debut earlier this summer at the Fantasia Film Festival, where it took home the event’s Cheval Noir Award.
You can check out our exclusive first look at Mother of Flies in the image above and stay tuned for more about its 2026 release on Shudder. Fantastic Fest will take place in Austin, Texas, from September 18 to 25. Check out the full film guide here and stay tuned for more from our preview event.
