Mantis (2025) is a South Korean action-thriller film. It’s directed by Lee Tae-sung and co-written by Lee Tae-sung and Byun Sung-hyun. The cast includes Yim Si-wan, Park Gyu-young, and Jo Woo-jin.
The story follows an elite hitman who returns from a break to find the assassin underworld in chaos, forcing rival killers into a brutal power struggle.
The film is a spin-off set in the same universe as Kill Boksoon. It releases worldwide on Netflix on September 26, 2025.
Mantis Age Rating
Mantis is rated “TV-MA” (Mature Adults Only) for strong violence, threat, and language, with smoking and alcohol present in nightclub and underworld settings. This aligns with the assassin-for-hire premise and the tone shown in the official teaser.
Violence & Peril
Strong, stylized action. Frequent hand-to-hand fights, weapons combat, and lethal outcomes. Some blood is likely during close-quarters fights, though the teaser emphasizes choreography over gore. Sustained menace and high tension as killers hunt each other.
Language
Expect regular strong language typical of gritty crime thrillers. Derogatory or slur usage is not highlighted in early materials, but the intensity of dialogue may rise in violent confrontations. (Assessment based on franchise tone and teaser.)
Mature Themes
Professional killing, organized crime, and moral ambiguity. Drinking and smoking appear in nightlife settings tied to the underworld. No sexual content is featured in the initial marketing. The overall mood is dark, competitive, and survival-driven.
Is Mantis Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The violent assassin premise and threat make this inappropriate for preteens.
Ages 13–15: Not recommended. Frequent intense fights, killings, and crime themes likely exceed comfort levels for most young teens.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance. Genre-savvy older teens may handle the action and tone, but parents should be ready to discuss violence and ethics.
Final recommendation: Best suited for adults (18+). Older teens only with parental guidance and clear limits.
What Parents Can Do
Set expectations: Explain that the film is a stylized action piece about hired killers, not a model for conflict resolution.
Discuss consequences: Talk about how movies depict violence versus real-world impact and legality.
Media literacy check-in: After viewing, ask what choices each character had and how ambition and loyalty shape their actions.
Official Trailer
FAQs
1) What is the official age rating for Mantis?
Netflix lists it as Mature Adults Only (“TV-MA”).
2) Is Mantis appropriate for teens?
Mostly no. It’s designed for adults; older teens (16–17) only with guidance due to violence and dark crime themes. (Assessment based on teaser and franchise context.)
3) How violent or scary is it?
Violence is frequent and intense, with lethal outcomes and strong peril. The tone is tense and suspenseful.
4) Does the film have strong language or slurs?
Expect strong language typical of gritty action thrillers; slurs aren’t highlighted in marketing.
5) Is there sexual content or nudity?
Not featured in early promo. The focus is action and underworld intrigue.
6) Where can I watch Mantis and when?
Streaming worldwide on Netflix from September 26, 2025.