Running Time: 92 Minutes
Starring: John Adams, Zelda Adams, Toby Poser, Lulu Adams
Collectively known as the Adams Family, John Adams, Zelda Adams, and Toby Poser have repeatedly asserted themselves as magnificent creatives within independent cinema. Following impressive works such as Hellbender and Where the Devil Roams, the gifted filmmaking family return to write, direct, star, shoot, edit, and score another magnificent feature. When the tremendous result is Mother of Flies, it would not be surprising to hear that the trio also provided some killer catering on-set.
Opening the film on remains rotting away in the woods, a voiceover soon accompanies it, highlighting that the way to rule death is to by loving it and laying with it. That is soon seen in motion, as a bare figure writhes amongst the blood and bones, wholeheartedly embracing the death that surrounds her. As far as first impression's go, this is a darn memorable one.
Viewers are then introduced to Mickey (Zelda Adams), a young girl who keeps her cancer diagnosis quiet from her college friends. After conventional medicine fails to help her, the girl journeys with her father, Jake (John Adams), to seek help from Solveig (Toby Poser), a necromancer who lives deep in the woods. As Mickey is guided through a ritualistic journey of discovery, Solveig offers her dark magic guidance without payment, although it does come with a cost.
Through the vibe of a dark fairytale, the filmmakers have crafted a personal story informed by the family's own experiences battling and surviving cancer. As the screen shows insects linked to death, such as maggots and flies, the story depicts the fragility of life which is linked to the indiscriminate nature of death. It is all brought alive in ways that are moving and morbid, while overflowing with imagination. A strong example is an early dream sequence, as the experimental visuals are depicted in stylish ways that threatens to leave an imprint on whoever watches it.
It all helps to craft an eerie tone which draws viewers in, while also knowing when to cut out the sound and let the imagery stand alone to deliver the power. As ever, the family band - H6LLB6ND6R - deliver musical bangers that bursts alive within the feature, while also understanding when to quieten things and let what is on-screen do the talking. With squishy and grotesque practical effects that get under one's skin, it all gives this feature a charm as rustic as the locations.
At the centre of this story is Mickey, who is willing to try this strange treatment after feeling that she has nothing left to lose. When the alternative is losing the battle against cancer, she is ready to take a chance on the unknown. Jake is less convinced, but his skepticism takes a backseat as he supports his daughter's decision. This core relationship is the beating heart of this film, as the pair ready themselves for whatever it takes while sharing a charming dynamic. Their bond is best shown during a darkly charming scene discussing what if the treatment does not work, in a moment that sells their loving yet macabre bond.
The biggest mystery is Solveig, a character who leaves viewers guessing by keeping her cards close to her chest. Poser provides an entrancing voiceover, capturing the witch's outlook on the relationship between life and death, as she respects the balance between the two. Flashbacks also showcase the experiences which informed her present, driving the narrative down avenues which are haunting and empathic. Mother of Flies is one of the best films yet from the Adams Family, etching in stone how they are among the most compelling and original artists working in genre cinema today.
Mother of Flies made its World Premiere at Fantasia Festival 2025
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