Mantis: A Charismatic Spinoff of Kill Boksoon Finds Its Footing

For fans of the action-revenge hit Kill Boksoon, the Netflix spinoff Mantis (Samagwi) opens with the memorable line, “One kill will save you three times the amount of patience,” reflecting the precarious balance between precision and chaos in the world of professional killers. The film picks up after the death of CEO Min-kyo, with MK Entertainment—Han-ul’s (Yim Si-wan) former employer—falling apart, creating a power vacuum that the younger generation of assassins is eager to fill.

Han-ul returns to Korea, confident that his top-tier skills will secure his position effortlessly. However, his childhood friend and crush, Jae-yi (Park Gyu-young), faces a more difficult path, as her reputation is underdeveloped and she has been previously blacklisted by MK Entertainment. Guided by his former mentor, the retired assassin Dokgo (Jo Woo-jin), Han-ul establishes the Mantis Company, navigating new challenges and growing friction with Jae-yi amid shifting industry dynamics.

Yim Si-wan exudes charisma as Han-ul, blending confidence with cockiness, while Park Gyu-young’s portrayal of Jae-yi is a standout, showing her character’s ambition and suppressed frustration boiling over in key action sequences. Their chemistry forms the emotional core of the story, making the eventual strain in their relationship all the more compelling. Dokgo’s presence helps connect past and present dynamics, though Choi Hyun-wook’s Benjamin, a minor investor, feels unnecessary and disruptive.

Action sequences in Mantis are solid and purposeful, illustrating both character and narrative, though they lack the flair of Kill Boksoon. Themes such as the struggle of the younger generation to find work are touched on but not fully developed. Despite these shortcomings, the film successfully balances action and character development, with the evolving friendship and rivalry between Han-ul and Jae-yi anchoring the story.

Mantis is a spirited continuation that captures the humanity behind the assassins while showcasing a new generation finding its place.

Rating: 7/10

Mantis is now streaming exclusively on Netflix.