The Screwfly Solution (Masters of Horror)

The Screwfly Solution is the thirteenth episode of the first season of the Masters of Horror anthology television series. Directed by Joe Dante and written by Sam Hamm, it is based on the science fiction short story of the same name by James Tiptree Jr. (Alice Sheldon).

The episode centers around a global pandemic where men are inexplicably compelled to brutally murder women, often those closest to them. The narrative unfolds through a combination of diary entries from a concerned scientist, Alan Forester, and the experiences of other characters caught in the escalating violence.

As the murders become increasingly prevalent and seemingly motiveless, Alan, along with his wife Anne, and their daughter Meg, attempt to understand the phenomenon. Through Alan's scientific investigations and Anne's theological perspectives, they uncover a horrifying truth: an alien species is altering humanity's basic instincts, redirecting sexual urges into a murderous rage directed at women. The aliens, deeming humanity a threat to the galaxy, are effectively sterilizing the planet by causing the men to eradicate the women.

The episode explores themes of misogyny, the fragility of human social structures, and the horrors of alien intervention. It delves into the societal breakdown that occurs as the pandemic spreads, highlighting the fear, paranoia, and violence that consume the world. The title, "The Screwfly Solution," refers to the method by which the alien invaders are implementing their plan, mirroring a real-world agricultural pest control technique where sterilized screwfly flies are released to disrupt the breeding cycle of the insect population.