Mother of Flies Summary and Review - Woodland Myth, Magic and Mortality

Mother of Flies is an atmospheric folk‑horror film set deep in the upstate New York woods, where Mickey and her father Jake travel in a last attempt to find an unconventional cure. Mickey, who is terminally ill, believes she was contacted in a dream by Solveig - a reclusive witch-healer living in the forest. With no medical options left, the pair decide to try whatever help they can find.

Mickey’s young life has already been shaped by loss after the death of her mother and she now shares her life with her protective father, Jake. He’s sceptical about the whole endeavour, but he’s just as desperate as Mickey to find a solution. Together, they set off hoping for even the smallest chance of relief.

A Fairytale Quality

Solveig’s home is an unusual sight: an enchanting house that appears to have merged with the surrounding forest, giving it a charming fairy‑tale quality, setting the tone for the film’s blend of natural beauty and disturbing strangeness.

Their host is welcoming but distant and life at Solveig’s forest dwelling is basic. Mickey’s sleeping space is soft and mossy, while Jake’s is more like a bed of thorns - a neat reflection of their attitudes. Solveig serves them nature's bounty sourced from the forest but with little in the way of enhancements, - such as cooking - and one has a sense that the offerings are more magical concoctions than sustainance.

Mickey willingly embraces the experience - it's her last hope after all - but Jake is less enthusiastic and expresses scepticism and brittle humour over every aspect, which leads to tension between father and daughter at a later stage.

The Three Day Ritual

The extraordinary ritual that Mickey must undergo lasts three days. As the days pass, we are treated to flashbacks of Solveig’s past, providing clues about her intentions in the present day. And all the while, Solveig’s rhythmic voice‑over offers poetic reflections on the cyclical nature of life, death, loss and grief, almost as if she’s casting an ancient spell over the viewer.

So far, it probably doesn't sound much like a horror film, but there’s plenty happening beneath the surface. Solveig’s motives remain unclear, her history is mysterious, and the ritual become increasingly intense. The film includes a fair amount of visceral body horror, supported by practical effects that are impressive for a low‑budget production.

The Cinematography is Standout

The cinematography is one of the film’s standout strengths and steals every scene. The colour work is gorgeous, and the forest is captured in detailed, naturalistic shots that make the environment feel alive. The visuals often take centre stage, giving the film a distinctive look and Solveig’s voice‑over adds another aesthetic layer that can feel a little drawn-out at times, but is also strangely hypnotic.

The cast — a real‑life family — brings natural chemistry to the central relationships. Some early scenes feel a little stiff, but the performances settle in as the film progresses. Toby Poser is excellent as the enigmatic Solveig, giving the character a calm yet unsettling presence. It’s very much a family affair overall, with the Adams family production team — including another daughter, Lulu, who makes a brief appearance — writing, directing and starring in the film.

Mother of Flies uses its dark fairy‑tale setting to explore mortality, regeneration and the instinct to survive. It’s a thoughtful folk‑horror film with a unique visual style and an unusual approach to its subject matter - it's artistic without being arty and poetic without being impenetrable, delivering a storyline that will follow you around for a while after the credits end.

★★★⯪☆ 

Characters & Production

Mickey: Zelda Adams Jake: John Adams Solveig: Toby Poser

Writer: John Adams, Zelda Adams, Toby Poser Director: John Adams, Zelda Adams, Toby Poser Year of Release: 2025 Runtime: 92 minutes