Mantis (2025) Netflix Review – A Stylish Assassin Thriller That Cuts Deep

Netflix has been steadily expanding its slate of Korean thrillers, and Mantis (사마귀 / Samagwi) arrives as one of the most anticipated action films of 2025. Directed by Lee Tae-Seong and starring Yim Si-Wan, Park Gyu-Young, and Jo Woo-Jin, the film dives into the underworld of contract killers where loyalty, survival, and betrayal collide.

With an 88% audience rating already, Mantis has sparked comparisons to Netflix’s Kill Boksoon (2023), but it carves out its own identity with razor-sharp action sequences, layered performances, and a story that feels as personal as it is brutal.

Plot Summary – Who is the Mantis?

Lee Han-Ul, better known by his codename Mantis (Yim Si-Wan), is an elite assassin whose life takes a turn after returning from vacation to discover the death of Cha Min-Kyu (Sul Kyung-Gu), the powerful head of MK Enterprise.

Tired of the bloody politics inside MK Enterprise, Mantis seeks a new life with fellow killers. But his path is far from simple—especially with his longtime friend Shin Jae-Yi (Park Gyu-Young). Once his training partner, Jae-Yi is just as lethal, yet she’s been cast aside by the organization and harbors complicated feelings toward him.

Meanwhile, Dokgo (Jo Woo-Jin), one of MK’s founders and Mantis’s former mentor, emerges from retirement to seize control of the enterprise. To tighten his grip, he tries to lure Mantis back into the fold, pulling the assassin into a deadly game of loyalty and survival.

Performances & Characters

Yim Si-Wan as Lee Han-Ul (Mantis): Known for balancing vulnerability with intensity, Yim Si-Wan delivers a layered performance. His Mantis isn’t just a killing machine—he’s a man torn between his lethal skills and the faint hope of freedom.

Park Gyu-Young as Shin Jae-Yi: Fierce, complex, and quietly heartbreaking, Park Gyu-Young brings depth to a character who represents both love and danger for Mantis.

Jo Woo-Jin as Dokgo: As the mentor-turned-rival, Jo Woo-Jin commands every scene, embodying a figure both paternal and predatory.

Direction, Action, and Style

Director Lee Tae-Seong crafts Mantis with precision. The cinematography by Kim Joo-In leans into neon-soaked cityscapes, dimly lit assassin bars, and sharply choreographed fight scenes that echo the cold efficiency of contract killing.

The action sequences are fast, brutal, and tightly edited, reminiscent of both John Wick and Kill Boksoon, but with a distinctly Korean sense of tragedy and moral conflict. Every fight feels earned—not just spectacle, but storytelling through violence.

Themes – Loyalty, Betrayal, and Identity

At its core, Mantis asks a haunting question: Can an assassin ever truly walk away?

Loyalty is constantly tested—between friends, mentors, and organizations.

Betrayal lurks around every corner, turning allies into enemies.

Identity becomes fragile, as characters struggle to define themselves outside the violent roles they’ve been forced into.

This mix of existential weight and adrenaline-pumping action makes Mantis more than just a genre flick—it’s a character study wrapped in blood and neon.

Verdict – Is Mantis Worth Watching on Netflix?

Absolutely. Mantis is one of the strongest Korean action thrillers Netflix has released in 2025. With its stellar cast, gritty storytelling, and stylish execution, it’s a must-watch for fans of assassin dramas, K-thrillers, and morally grey characters.

If you enjoyed Kill Boksoon or are a fan of actors like Yim Si-Wan and Park Gyu-Young, Mantis will deliver both the tension and emotional punch you’re looking for.

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 – A sharp, stylish, and emotionally charged assassin thriller.