A new Netflix serial killer drama is getting some seriously good reviews, including a recommendation from horror legend himself, Stephen King.
La Mante is a mini-series about a psychopath whose murders are believed to be inspired by Jeanne Deber, known as ‘The Mantis’, a famous serial killer who terrorised the country 20 years ago.
The police, believing the motto ‘takes one to know one’, ask Deber to help them hunt the copycat killer.
In solitary confinement, ‘The Mantis’ agrees at one condition – and that is that she will only deal only with detective Damien Carrot, who just so happens to be her son, who had broken ties with his mother a long time ago.
Damien has no choice – a serial killer is on the loose and could strike anytime, anywhere in Paris.
The New York Times went as far as comparing the series to Luther.
Writing:
This French series (in French, with subtitles) is as dark as they come — think Bron/Broen or Luther, a bleak serial-killer show with disturbing visuals and stylish misery.
Carole Bouquet stars as Jeanne, a vigilante-style serial killer serving a life sentence when a copycat murderer begins imitating her crimes.
The show is only six episodes, so even if you binge it, its chilling darkness won’t take over your life
And the show has impressed Stephen King, who sent out a tweet saying he was ‘enjoying the programme’, adding:
It is surveying previously unexplored realms of gruesomeness. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a man slowly drowning in an industrial washer before. Not even in a Rob Zombie picture.
Others are equally as impressed as well, with some people making mention of the fact they’ve watched in on King’s recommendation.
Alice Catherine wrote:
Started watching La Mante – hooked already, and picking up more French words. Basically whatever Stephen King tweets about, we start watching.
And Harriet Sadler added:
La Mante was phenomenal. Just when you think you’ve figured it out.. it whacks you with a whole new plot twist can’t cope
Other reviews include:
I’m two episodes into La Mante and it is one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. Chilling, disturbing, beautiful. Carole Bouquet gives one hell of a performance.
As well as
La Mante was one of the best shows I’ve watched in a very long time. Dark, gruesome, and gut wrenching. 10/10 do recommend as long as you can deal with subtitles
And:
La Mante (the Mantis) on Netflix. French serial killer show. Carole Bouquet with a Meryl Streep-esque performance here. Amazing and haunting.
Ok, it looks like a definite ‘one to watch’. I guess I’ll have to add it to my already very long list of recommendations.
