Praying Mantis
A middle-aged professor's young bride and his assistant plan to commit a double murder disguised as a "Crime Passionel", but discover too late that one of their intended victims has become a fellow conspirator.
Insights
Plot Summary
A wealthy and disturbed woman, Elisa, becomes obsessed with a handsome stranger, Miles. After a tumultuous relationship that includes a marriage, Miles discovers Elisa's dark secret: she is a serial killer who targets men. He attempts to escape her murderous grip, leading to a terrifying cat-and-mouse game as he tries to survive her escalating violence.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'Praying Mantis' received a mixed reception from critics. While some praised its suspenseful atmosphere and Samantha Eggar's intense performance, others found its plot convoluted and its violence gratuitous. Audience reactions were similarly divided, with some appreciating the psychological thriller elements and others put off by its disturbing themes.
What Reviewers Say
- Samantha Eggar delivers a chilling performance as the titular killer.
- The film struggles with a predictable plot and uneven pacing.
- Offers moments of genuine suspense, but ultimately falls short of its potential.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews and their sentiment for 'Praying Mantis' (1982) is not readily available in publicly accessible databases.
Fun Fact
This was one of the final films directed by the veteran filmmaker Jacques Tourneur, known for classic horror films like 'Cat People' (1942) and 'Night of the Demon' (1957).
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