Following the critical acclaim and commercial success of Kill Boksoon, Netflix expands its assassin universe with the spin-off series Mantis. Returning creators Byun Sung-hyun and Lee Tae-sung bring a fresh yet familiar perspective, continuing to explore the dangerous and thrilling world of contract killers. This new installment promises high-octane action with new faces and shifting power dynamics.
Mantis | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB]
Recap of Kill Boksoon and Its Impact
Kill Boksoon captivated audiences with its complex plot revolving around Gil Bok-soon, a skilled assassin torn between her deadly profession and personal life. Alongside characters like Cha Min-kyu and the shadowy MK Ent organization, the series deftly weaved themes of family, loyalty, and survival.
The show’s reception was overwhelmingly positive, making waves on Netflix as one of South Korea’s standout Originals. Its success set a high bar for character depth and emotional engagement, cementing its place in the Hallyu wave of compelling Korean content.
Setting the Stage: The World After MK’s Downfall
With MK Ent’s dramatic collapse, the once tight-knit assassin community faces upheaval. Established rules break down, alliances fracture, and a power vacuum invites new players hungry to claim dominance over the contract killer industry. This chaotic backdrop frames the narrative tension and introduces fresh conflict.
Introducing Mantis – Protagonist and Plot Overview
The series pivots to focus on Mantis (played by Yim Si-wan), a highly skilled but notably arrogant assassin. Returning from vacation to find MK’s collapse, Mantis partners with trainee Jae-yi (Park Gyu-young) and their mentor Dok-go (Jo Woo-jin) to establish a new company.
The trio navigates the treacherous landscape of assassin politics, each driven by ambition and personal goals. Their conflicting motivations create tension as they strive to reclaim MK’s lost power in a ruthless and lawless world.
Comparison of Narrative Focus: Kill Boksoon vs. Mantis
While Kill Boksoon was heavily character-driven, zeroing in on Boksoon’s internal struggles and professional challenges, Mantis shifts toward an organizational lens, emphasizing power struggles and hierarchy within the assassin world.
This pivot results in a dialogue-heavy approach focusing on work distribution that sometimes hampers story momentum and lessens emotional engagement, marking a notable departure from the intimate storytelling of its predecessor.
Character Development and Dynamics in Mantis
The protagonist Mantis lacks the compelling internal motivation that made Boksoon so relatable. His relationship with trainee Jae-yi has potential but often feels underdeveloped. Similarly, Dok-go’s mentor role and storyline present interesting parallels but suffer from pacing issues and uneven screen time.
Overall, Mantis misses opportunities to deepen character arcs, especially for Jae-yi, leaving some dynamics feeling superficial.
Action and Choreography Highlights
The series shines brightest in its action sequences, showcasing stellar fight choreography and expert stunt direction courtesy of Seo Ji-oh Lee and Seong-Cheol Ryu. Signature scenes feature a blend of brutal weapon-based combat and sleek hand-to-hand fights.
Despite narrative shortcomings, fans of high-impact action will find much to appreciate here, as the fight scenes rival the original film’s intensity and creativity.
Overall Verdict and Rating
- Strengths: Dynamic action choreography, expansion of the franchise universe, and a thrilling assassin world.
- Weaknesses: Shallow story depth, lack of engaging character development, and uneven pacing.
Final Rating: 2.5/5 stars
Recommendation: Mantis is best suited for viewers who prioritize intense action scenes and an expanded look at assassin politics over deep emotional storytelling.
Must-Watch if You Liked Mantis
- Kill Boksoon
- John Wick
- Squid Game
- Ballerina (Netflix South Korea)
- Carter
Additional Viewing Suggestions and Resources
For fans eager to revisit spectacular fight moments, Netflix’s YouTube page offers curated fight highlights worth watching. The Boksoon Cinematic Universe promises more expansions in the future, making this an ideal time to dive into the action.
Stream Mantis now on Netflix, share your thoughts, and explore more thrilling content right here on Keeperfact!
