Horror fans across the United Kingdom have a major cinematic event to mark in their diaries, as a critically lauded 'masterpiece' with a flawless review score secures its domestic streaming release.
A Perfect Score Horror Lands on Home Screens
The award-winning folk horror film 'Mother of Flies' will begin streaming on Shudder via Amazon Prime Video from January 23. The feature has generated significant buzz for its perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a rare accolade that has cemented its status as a modern genre standout.
Directed and produced by the filmmaking collective known as The Adams Family, the movie represents a deeply personal project. The family unit consists of married couple Toby Poser and John Adams alongside their daughters, Zelda and Lulu Adams.
A Deeply Personal Folk Horror Tale
The plot centres on Mickey, portrayed by Zelda Adams, who receives a terminal cancer diagnosis. When conventional medicine offers little hope, she turns to a local healer named Solveig, played by Toby Poser. This desperate search for a cure leads her into the unsettling realm of necromancy. Mickey's skeptical father, Jake (John Adams), accompanies her on a journey that becomes far more harrowing than either could have anticipated.
The film's powerful emotional core is drawn from the family's own history with cancer, with both John and Toby having faced the disease. This authenticity resonates through the narrative, transforming it from a simple horror into a poignant exploration of grief, desperation, and familial love.
Following its world premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival, 'Mother of Flies' swept the Cheval Noir Jury Awards for Best Film and Best Score. It further captivated audiences at London's FrightFest in 2025, building fervent anticipation for its wider UK release.
Universal Acclaim from Critics
The film's perfect Rotten Tomatoes score is backed by glowing reviews from major publications. Critics have been united in their praise:
- Nashville Scene hailed it as "a modern folk-horror masterpiece about a family pushed to the brink."
- Screen International praised its polished storytelling, noting it "leads to a satisfying conclusion" and leaves room for potential sequels.
- Variety commended its "densely textured, quite gorgeous dive into folkloric witchiness" that sidesteps cliché for something unexpectedly poignant.
- RogerEbert.com celebrated the filmmakers, stating, "These creators are talented in every way one can use that word."
The Unique World of The Adams Family
'Mother of Flies' is the latest creation from a truly distinctive filmmaking dynasty. The Adams Family operates as a democratic creative unit, often producing super low-budget films on their own remote property in the United States.
Their collaborative journey began in 2013 with 'Rumblestrips'. Since then, they have developed a loyal following with hit genre films like 'Hellbender', 'Where the Devil Roams', and 'Hell Hole'. Each member contributes across multiple roles, from acting and directing to writing and cinematography.
In an interview, John Adams described working with his wife and children as "a dream come true," emphasising their equal partnership. Daughter Lulu Adams highlighted the lack of typical familial drama, noting their dynamic is built on friendship and a shared learning process that began when none were experienced filmmakers.
Beyond cinema, the family extends its artistry to music, composing and performing the scores for their films as the punk band H6LLB6ND6R. John Adams explained that music is integral to their lives and creative process, allowing them to shape a unique sonic identity for each project.
With its UK streaming release finally set for January 23, 'Mother of Flies' offers British audiences a chance to experience one of the most critically adored and emotionally resonant horror films of recent years. Its combination of raw personal history, folk horror chills, and flawless critical reception makes it an essential watch for any genre enthusiast.
