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This review may contain spoilers
Slow Burn Crime Drama
QUEEN MANTIS (2025) is a really good Korean drama, based on the original french drama, La Mante.
It is a slow burn crime series, concerning a serial killer and her copycat serial killer. While not a thriller or action packed series, the mystery keeps the viewer progressively more and more engaged. The violent crimes perpetrated are upsetting and grotesque making this series quite dark and not for the faint of heart. There is quite a bit of graphic gore and murders depicted.
While the show is definitely a slower mystery, rather than a fast-paced thriller, I highly enjoyed it. The concept of copycat killers is an interesting and very mysterious one, and this drama shows how tricky it could be trying to find the true motivations of the 'copycat', before being able to finally catch them. Vaguely reminds me of another excellent Taiwanese series called 'Copycat Killer', with a few notable differences.
"A cop must work with his mother, known as the "Mantis" - a female serial killer who murdered 5 men decades ago - when suddenly copycat killings emerge. He's hated his killer mother his entire life."
The story, locations and acting were all great, honestly. The characters were memorable and unique and most of them were very compelling. Go Hyun Jung specifically, as the mother / serial killer, Jeong I-sin, was simply superb in her complex role, adding the perfect balance of cunning and crazy to the character. She is unforgettable in this role.
The ending was intense and beautifully done. I would definitely appreciate another season, as it seemed to imply there might be, judging by the ending. Overall, this was a great watch. Glad I gave it a chance. Recommend.
It is a slow burn crime series, concerning a serial killer and her copycat serial killer. While not a thriller or action packed series, the mystery keeps the viewer progressively more and more engaged. The violent crimes perpetrated are upsetting and grotesque making this series quite dark and not for the faint of heart. There is quite a bit of graphic gore and murders depicted.
While the show is definitely a slower mystery, rather than a fast-paced thriller, I highly enjoyed it. The concept of copycat killers is an interesting and very mysterious one, and this drama shows how tricky it could be trying to find the true motivations of the 'copycat', before being able to finally catch them. Vaguely reminds me of another excellent Taiwanese series called 'Copycat Killer', with a few notable differences.
"A cop must work with his mother, known as the "Mantis" - a female serial killer who murdered 5 men decades ago - when suddenly copycat killings emerge. He's hated his killer mother his entire life."
The story, locations and acting were all great, honestly. The characters were memorable and unique and most of them were very compelling. Go Hyun Jung specifically, as the mother / serial killer, Jeong I-sin, was simply superb in her complex role, adding the perfect balance of cunning and crazy to the character. She is unforgettable in this role.
The ending was intense and beautifully done. I would definitely appreciate another season, as it seemed to imply there might be, judging by the ending. Overall, this was a great watch. Glad I gave it a chance. Recommend.
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