Watch La Mante

La Mante is a French crime thriller series which was released in 2017. The show follows the story of a serial killer called "La Mante" or "The Mantis," who terrorized France in the late 1990s. She was known for targeting and brutally murdering men who were abusive towards women. The show is a gripping tale of deception, intrigue, and suspense that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats throughout its run.

The series starts with the capture of "The Mantis," played by Carole Bouquet, who is serving a life sentence for her crimes. However, her case takes a strange turn when a copycat killer starts replicating her killing spree. The copycat killer sends the police a letter with a message that offers a deal - in exchange for her help in finding the copycat, "The Mantis" demands that she be released from prison, and she will only work with her son, Damien Carrot, a detective played by Fred Testot.

As the reluctant duo gets to work, they discover secrets and lies about each other, and the people in their lives, especially around Damien's past. The dynamic between these two characters is one of the most compelling aspects of the show. Damien, who has grown up with the stigma of having a serial killer mother, has developed a deep hatred for his mother and everything she stands for. On the other hand, "The Mantis" is fiercely protective of her son and wants to make amends for her past by helping the police.

As they delve deeper into the copycat's crimes, "The Mantis" reveals her methods and thoughts that motivated her killing spree. The show manages to keep the viewers on edge throughout its run, primarily due to Carole Bouquet's ominous and unsettling performance as "The Mantis." Bouquet does an outstanding job of maintaining suspense and keeping viewers engaged with every twist and turn in the plot.

Along with the main plot, the series also addresses themes like familial relationships, the impact of childhood experiences on an individual, and the psychological motives behind a killer's actions. The show delves deep into the psyche of a killer and attempts to humanize the character, without glorifying the killings in any way.

The show has a gritty and intense feel to it, thanks to the realistic portrayal of the crimes and the detective work. The cinematography is excellent and captures the somber tones of the story beautifully. La Mante does not rely on cheap jump scares but instead, opts for a more restrained approach to build suspense.

Overall, La Mante is an excellent crime thriller that is well worth the watch for fans of the genre. It is a breath of fresh air from the run-of-the-mill crime dramas that have plagued the television scene in recent years. Although some may argue that the series' ending was underwhelming, the show stands out due to its compelling storyline, excellent acting, and willingness to tackle tough themes that truly sets it apart.