Shudder Buys ‘Mother of Flies,’ Horror Film From Filmmaking Trio The Adams Family (EXCLUSIVE)

Shudder has acquired “Mother of Flies,” a new horror feature from the indie filmmaking family known as the Adams Family. Written, directed, and starring Toby Poser, John Adams, and their daughter Zelda Adams, the film also features their older daughter, Lulu Adams, in a co-starring role.

The deal marks a continued collaboration between the directors and Shudder, following the release of their previous films “Hell Hole” and “Hellbender.” The pact encompasses rights for North America, the U.K. and Ireland, as well as Australia and New Zealand. Shudder’s acquisition comes ahead of the film’s world premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival on July 24. A streaming release is slated for 2026.

“Mother of Flies” is described as a “haunted fairy tale.” It kicks off as Mickey faces a terminal diagnosis, even though she isn’t ready to die yet. Heading into the woods with her father, she seeks dark magic at the hands of mysterious recluse, Solveig. For three days, Mickey endures Solveig’s extreme rituals. But the “cure” comes at a cost.

“Shudder feels like family – a beautiful creative home offering up the most diverse and eclectic platform to its voracious, horror loving audience.  For our small family that loves making bloody movie magic together in the woods, it feels so good to be welcomed back with ‘Mother of Flies’ to the cine-madness and dark, brilliant mayhem at Shudder. We are grateful to Samuel Zimmerman and the whole Shudder team for being such wonderful, generous, and always-fun partners in creativity,” said directors Toby Poser, John Adams, and Zelda Adams in a joint statement. 

Shudder’s VP of Programming Samuel Zimmerman commented, “Once again, Shudder embraces the singular world of the Adams Family, some of the most original voices in horror. ‘Mother of Flies’ is a gnarled complement to their witchy gem, ‘Hellbender,’ deeply felt and frightening. We’re thrilled for it to dig its twisted roots into our members.”

The deal was negotiated by Shudder Senior VP of Programming and Acquisitions Samuel Zimmerman, while Hugues Barbier, Justin Timms and Joe Yanick of Yellow Veil Pictures represented the filmmakers in the talks.