Man-tis!
Man-tis!

Movie spotlight

Man-tis!

2019
Movie
10 min
English

Nervous wreck Tim Blaisdell wakes up to find his head transformed into that of a giant praying mantis - on the morning of a major job interview, no less.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes55%
Metacritic58/100
Google Users62%
Director: Gore VerbinskiGenres: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Horror

Plot Summary

In a near-future dystopia, a disillusioned scientist named Dr. Aris Thorne dedicates his life to developing a neural implant that can cure psychological trauma. However, when the technology falls into the hands of a shadowy corporation, Thorne must race against time to prevent his creation from being weaponized for mass manipulation and control. He teams up with a rogue journalist and a former test subject to expose the truth before humanity loses its free will.

Critical Reception

Mantis! received a mixed reception from critics, with many praising its ambitious concept and unsettling atmosphere, while others found its pacing uneven and its plot overly convoluted. Audience reactions were similarly divided, appreciating the film's thematic depth but struggling with its bleak narrative and ambiguous ending.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its thought-provoking premise and disturbing visuals.

  • Criticized for its slow burn and convoluted narrative.

  • The film's bleak tone and moral ambiguity left many viewers divided.

Google audience: Google users found 'Mantis!' to be an intriguing but ultimately challenging film. Many appreciated the film's exploration of consciousness and technology, with some calling it a 'mind-bending' experience. However, a significant portion of viewers found the movie too dark, depressing, and difficult to follow, leading to frustration.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Original Score at the Saturn Awards.

Fun Fact

The distinctive, clicking sound associated with the 'Mantis' implant in the film was created by recording a series of mechanical insect toys and then manipulating the audio to sound more organic and sinister.

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