The highly anticipated Queen Mantis Review reveals whether this 2025 psychological thriller lives up to expectations. Every week brings new K-drama releases, but does Queen Mantis Review stand out from the crowd? After analyzing this Korean crime series, we’re here with our complete Queen Mantis Review. Let’s dive into what makes this SBS production tick.
Movie Details Table
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| 🎬 Series Name | Queen Mantis (사마귀: 살인자의 외출) |
| 📅 Release Date | September 5, 2025 |
| ⭐ Star Cast | Go Hyun-jung, Jang Dong-yoon, Jo Sung-ha |
| 🎥 Director | Byun Young-joo |
| 🎶 Music Director | TBA |
| 🕒 Runtime | 70 minutes per episode |
| 🎬 Trailer | Available on SBS and Netflix |
| 📱 OTT Platform | Netflix & SBS |
| 📺 OTT Release | September 5, 2025 |
| 🏆 Our Rating | 4.2/5 Stars |
Cast & Characters – Queen Mantis Review
Main Cast
Go Hyun-jung as Jung Yi-shin (The Mantis): A notorious serial killer convicted for murdering five men two decades ago. Go Hyun-jung delivers a chilling performance as the manipulative yet complex mother figure.
Jang Dong-yoon as Cha Soo-yeol: A police detective who harbors deep resentment toward his serial killer mother. His portrayal captures the emotional turmoil of a son forced to work with his most hated person.
Jo Sung-ha as Choi Jong-ho: A seasoned police officer leading the copycat murder investigation. His experienced presence adds gravitas to the procedural elements.
Supporting Cast
- Lee El as Na Hui – Investigation team member
- Kim Bo-ra as Lee Joeng-yeon – Supporting role
- Han Si-ah as Eun-ae – Key supporting character
Cast Verdict: The ensemble brings psychological depth and authenticity to this intense Queen Mantis Review narrative.
Trailer Analysis – Queen Mantis Review
Trailer Highlights:
✅ Perfect psychological tension without major spoilers
✅ Showcases Go Hyun-jung’s menacing performance effectively
✅ Mother-son confrontation builds anticipation brilliantly
✅ Dark cinematography creates perfect thriller atmosphere
The first teaser establishes the central conflict through stark exchanges between Soo-yeol and his mother about her past crimes. The second trailer shifts focus to the investigation, ending with Yi-shin’s unsettling greeting: “So we finally meet like this. Hello?”
Trailer Verdict: Successfully creates psychological tension and viewer anticipation for this Queen Mantis Review.
OTT Release Details
Streaming Platform: Netflix (International) & SBS (Korea)
Release Schedule: September 5, 2025 – September 27, 2025
Episode Format: 2 episodes weekly (Fridays & Saturdays)
Languages: Korean with subtitles
Queen Mantis Story Review
The plot revolves around Jung Yi-shin, the “Mantis” serial killer, serving time for five brutal murders committed two decades ago. When copycat killings emerge that mirror her exact methods, her estranged son Detective Cha Soo-yeol must reluctantly seek her assistance.
What works: This Queen Mantis Review reveals a narrative that expertly blends psychological thriller elements with family drama. The Korean remake of French series “La Mante” adapts perfectly to Korean storytelling sensibilities.
Story strength: The screenplay delivers unexpected psychological twists while exploring the fractured mother-son relationship. Each episode builds momentum through their uneasy alliance during the investigation.
Performance Analysis – Queen Mantis Review
Lead Performances:
Go Hyun-jung: Delivers a career-defining performance as the manipulative serial killer. Her portrayal balances menace with maternal complexity, showcasing why she’s considered one of Korea’s finest actresses.
Jang Dong-yoon: Shines in emotionally charged sequences, particularly when confronting his mother’s dark past. His anger and reluctance feel authentic throughout this Queen Mantis Review.
Supporting Cast: Jo Sung-ha and Lee El add procedural authenticity to the investigation sequences, grounding the psychological elements in police reality.
Acting Verdict: The ensemble cast elevates this psychological thriller significantly through nuanced performances.
Technical Aspects – Direction & Cinematography
Direction Quality:
Director Byun Young-joo maintains engaging psychological tension throughout each 70-minute episode. The pacing expertly balances procedural investigation with character development.
Visual Treatment:
Cinematography captures the dark, oppressive atmosphere perfectly. The prison scenes and crime investigation locations create an appropriately grim visual tone for this Queen Mantis Review.
Technical Rating: 4.3/5 stars for production values and direction.
Queen Mantis Review – What Works
✅ Outstanding psychological performances from Go Hyun-jung and Jang Dong-yoon
✅ Compelling mother-son dynamic drives emotional core
✅ Expertly adapted storyline from French original maintains authenticity
✅ Perfect thriller pacing builds suspense effectively
✅ Strong procedural elements balance psychological drama
✅ Excellent cinematography creates dark, atmospheric visuals
Areas for Improvement
❌ 70-minute episodes might feel lengthy for some viewers
❌ Predictable procedural elements occasionally slow momentum
❌ Limited supporting character development beyond main duo
❌ Dark themes may not appeal to broader K-drama audiences
Final Verdict – Queen Mantis Review 2025
Bottom Line: Queen Mantis delivers exceptional psychological thriller entertainment that justifies the adaptation from its French source material.
Target Audience: Perfect for psychological thriller enthusiasts and crime drama fans seeking complex character studies.
Worth Watching? Absolutely! This series justifies your time investment with stellar performances and gripping storylines.
Weekend Plans? Make this your top choice for Netflix binge-watching this September.
OTT Worth? Definitely worth streaming on Netflix for international audiences seeking quality K-drama thrillers.
Rating & Recommendation
⭐ Our Final Rating: 4.2/5 Stars
Recommendation Level:
Must Watch (4-5 stars) – Exceptional psychological thriller execution
Where to Watch:
🎬 TV Broadcast: SBS (Korea) – Currently airing
📱 OTT Platform: Netflix – Available internationally
🎥 Trailer: Available on Netflix and SBS platforms