Review - La Mante

Chanced upon this single-season French series on Netflix, having just six episodes. It is the story of a serial killer lady who, decades after her capture, offers to help nab a copycat killer. But there is one condition.

After a string of gruesome murders remain unsolved, the clueless police commissioner gets an offer for help by a serial killer Jeanne. Decades ago, she had committed and confessed to a bunch of murders and is presently in custody. There appears to be a copycat murderer on the loose, considering that the present murders bear striking resemblance to the way Jeanne had done the job back then.

Jeanne's condition is that she would coordinate with her son, who is now a cop. The police commissioner reluctantly agrees and the son Damien joins the squad.

As the copycat killer continues the killing spree, the squad tries its best to gather the clues and prevent the victims from dying. Each time someone emerges as a suspect, the person is mysteriously killed and mystery keeps getting more and more interesting.

In the backdrop of the copycat killing, there is a dark and suspenseful story of Jeanne's past, which keeps unfolding and impacting Damien, who himself is struggling to come to terms with his inside ghosts.

The story is gripping and stays on its course, the gore elements easily blending in. Acting is top class. Jeanne as the cold-faced killer and mother; Damien as the confused, strong yet determined officer; Damiens's wife Lucie who is sandwiched between the love for her husband and need to know the truth; Lucie's gorgeous colleague and best friend; Alex, the man spying on Damein's home; The Police commissioner and others in the squad who show commitment and finally Damien's grandfather who has a past.

Overall - very gripping and edge-of-the-seat storyline and a well-executed climax. A must watch!