The highly anticipated Mantis Review reveals whether this 2025 release lives up to expectations. Every week brings new cinema releases, but does Mantis stand out from the crowd ?
After watching this latest offering from Netflix, we’re here with our complete Mantis Review. From stellar performances to technical brilliance, let’s dive into what makes this Korean action thriller tick and whether it deserves your time and streaming subscription.
Movie Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| 🎬 Movie Name | Mantis (사마귀) |
| 📅 Release Date | September 26, 2025 |
| ⭐ Star Cast | Im Si-wan, Park Gyu-young, Jo Woo-jin |
| 🎥 Director | Lee Tae-sung |
| 🎶 Music Director | Various Composers |
| 🕒 Runtime | 113 minutes |
| 🎬 Trailer | Netflix Official Trailer |
| 📱 OTT Platform | Netflix |
| 📺 OTT Release | September 26, 2025 |
| 🏆 Our Rating | 3/5 Stars |
Quick Review Summary
Before diving deep into our Mantis Review, here’s what you need to know: This action thriller delivers solid entertainment with impressive performances but struggles with pacing issues. Whether you’re planning a Netflix binge or seeking quality Korean cinema, our comprehensive analysis covers everything you need to make an informed decision.
Cast & Characters – Mantis Review
Main Cast
Im Si-wan as Han-ul (Mantis): The lead delivers a compelling performance as the ace assassin returning from vacation to find his world in chaos. Si-wan showcases remarkable range, balancing the character’s deadly skills with emotional vulnerability.
Park Gyu-young as Jae-yi: Shines as Mantis’s former trainee and current rival, bringing depth to what could have been a one-dimensional antagonist. Her portrayal adds emotional complexity to the narrative.
Jo Woo-jin as Dok-go: Commands screen presence as the retired legendary killer turned organization leader. His character provides historical gravitas to the Kill Boksoon universe.
Supporting Cast
Cast Verdict: The ensemble brings authenticity to their respective roles, with each actor contributing meaningfully to the Mantis narrative. This aspect of our Mantis Review particularly appreciates the collective effort from the Korean cinema veterans.
Story & Plot Analysis – Mantis Review
The plot of Mantis revolves around Han-ul, a top assassin who returns from vacation to discover the contract killer industry in complete disarray. Set against the aftermath of Kill Boksoon’s events, the narrative explores themes of rivalry, legacy, and survival in a world where old rules no longer apply.
What Works in the Story:
- Engaging premise that expands the Kill Boksoon universe effectively
- Well-developed character relationships and rivalries
- Perfect balance of action and character development
- Connects seamlessly to the original film’s conclusion
Story Depth: The screenplay delivers complexity without overwhelming confusion, though pacing becomes an issue in the middle act. Each scene builds momentum toward the climactic showdown, making this Mantis Review appreciate the writing’s ambition despite execution flaws.
Narrative Structure: The three-act structure maintains coherence throughout the 113-minute runtime, though some sequences feel repetitive.
Trailer Analysis – Mantis Review
Trailer Highlights:
✅ Showcases intense action sequences without major spoilers
✅ Effectively builds anticipation for the Kill Boksoon connection
✅ Demonstrates high production values and cinematography
✅ Features compelling character dynamics and rivalries
✅ Creates appropriate tone for the assassin thriller genre
Trailer Marketing Strategy: The promotional campaign successfully generated buzz across social media platforms, particularly highlighting the Squid Game stars’ involvement. For those who watched the trailer, our Mantis Review confirms it accurately represents the film’s action-packed nature.
Visual Appeal: The trailer’s cinematography hints at the film’s high production values, which translate well to the final product.
Performance Analysis – Mantis Review
Lead Performances
Im Si-wan: Delivers what could be considered his most action-oriented performance to date. His portrayal of Han-ul shows remarkable physical commitment and emotional range, though some critics noted his soft features don’t entirely suit the ruthless assassin archetype.
Park Gyu-young: Excels particularly in emotional sequences and action choreography. Her chemistry with Si-wan elevates several key confrontation scenes.
Jo Woo-jin: Brings gravitas and authority to his role as the legendary Dok-go. His performance anchors the film’s connection to the broader Kill Boksoon universe.
Performance Highlights: The acting ensemble elevates the material significantly, with each performer bringing distinct energy to their roles. This aspect of our Mantis Review deserves recognition for the collective chemistry.
Character Development: Each character undergoes meaningful development throughout the film, making audience investment worthwhile despite pacing issues.
Technical Aspects – Music & Cinematography
Music Score Analysis:
- Background music complements the action sequences effectively
- Sound design enhances the overall cinematic experience
- Electronic and orchestral elements blend seamlessly
- Soundtrack supports the film’s intense atmosphere
Visual Treatment:
- Cinematography captures Seoul’s urban landscape beautifully
- Direction maintains engaging pace throughout most sequences
- Color palette suits the film’s dark, gritty tone
- Action choreography is well-executed and visually striking
Technical Rating: 4/5 stars for exceptional production values that support this generally positive Mantis Review.
Direction & Screenplay – Mantis Review
Director Lee Tae-sung showcases impressive control in his feature debut, handling the action thriller genre with confidence. The direction ensures that every major scene contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative arc.
Directorial Vision: Clear vision translates effectively on screen, making this Mantis Review appreciate the filmmaker’s approach to expanding the Kill Boksoon universe. Lee’s collaboration with original creator Byun Sung-hyun brings continuity to the franchise.
Screenplay Strength: The writing balances entertainment with character development, though dialogue delivery occasionally lacks impact. The script successfully connects to Kill Boksoon while establishing its own identity.
Pacing Control: The director maintains decent control over pacing in the first and third acts, though the middle section drags considerably.
OTT Release Details & Platform Analysis
OTT Release Date: September 26, 2025
Subscription: Available with Netflix subscription
Languages: Korean with subtitles in multiple languages
Quality Options: Available in HD and 4K formats
OTT Viewing Experience: For those preferring home viewing, the Netflix release promises excellent quality and accessibility. This Mantis Review recommends the streaming experience for action thriller enthusiasts.
Mantis Review – What Works Exceptionally Well
✅ Strong performances from the entire cast ensemble
✅ Impressive action choreography and cinematography
✅ Effective expansion of the Kill Boksoon universe
✅ High production values that justify Netflix’s investment
✅ Compelling character relationships and rivalries
✅ Solid technical execution across departments
✅ Successful integration into established franchise
Areas Needing Improvement
❌ Pacing issues in the middle act slow momentum
❌ Some action sequences lack the intensity promised
❌ Dialogue occasionally feels generic for the genre
❌ Runtime could benefit from tighter editing
❌ Certain plot elements require better development
Audience Reception & Box Office Analysis
Target Audience: Perfect for Korean action thriller fans and Kill Boksoon universe enthusiasts. The film caters to Netflix subscribers seeking quality international content.
Critical Reception: Industry critics have responded with mixed reactions, praising performances while noting story weaknesses. Early user reviews on IMDb show a 5.5/10 rating, indicating divided audience opinion.
Social Media Buzz: Audience reactions across platforms indicate moderate positive reception, particularly among franchise fans.
Streaming Performance: As a Netflix original, the film benefits from global accessibility and promotion.
Comparison with Similar Films
Genre Comparison: Compared to recent Korean action releases, Mantis holds its ground through solid performances and production values. However, it lacks the innovative edge of its predecessor Kill Boksoon.
Director’s Previous Work: This represents Lee Tae-sung’s feature directorial debut, showing promise while revealing areas for growth.
Franchise Context: For the Kill Boksoon universe, this film successfully expands the world while maintaining tonal consistency.
Final Verdict – Mantis Review 2025
Bottom Line: Mantis delivers solid action entertainment with strong performances, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor. The film succeeds as a competent spin-off that expands the Kill Boksoon universe effectively.
Worth Your Time? Yes, particularly for fans of Korean action cinema and the original film. Netflix subscribers will find adequate entertainment value.
Weekend Plans? Make Mantis a worthwhile addition to your Netflix watchlist this weekend.
Streaming Recommendation: Definitely worth watching on Netflix for action thriller enthusiasts and franchise completists.
Rewatch Value: The film offers moderate depth for multiple viewings, making this Mantis Review recommend it for fans of the genre.
Rating & Final Recommendation
⭐ Our Final Rating: 3/5 Stars
Recommendation Level:
Where to Watch:
🎬 Theaters: Not applicable – Netflix exclusive
📱 OTT: Currently streaming on Netflix
🎥 Trailer: Available on Netflix and YouTube
Final Thoughts: This comprehensive Mantis Review concludes that the film succeeds in delivering quality action entertainment within the Kill Boksoon universe. Whether you’re a franchise fan or newcomer to Korean action thrillers, the Netflix experience promises satisfaction for viewers seeking well-produced international content.