Is Praying Mantis Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Praying Mantis is likely a skip if you enjoy Romance movies.
It features a runtime of 113 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Praying Mantis Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1982, Praying Mantis emerges as a significant entry in the Romance, Drama, Crime, TV Movie domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of 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. Unlike standard genre fare, Praying Mantis attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Romance is often anchored by its ensemble, and Praying Mantis features a noteworthy lineup led by Jonathan Pryce . Supported by the likes of Cherie Lunghi and Carmen du Sautoy , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Praying Mantis (1982) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Praying Mantis Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Praying Mantis is a Romance, Drama, Crime, TV Movie film that explores the complexities of love and relationships with emotional depth and authenticity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Praying Mantis Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Praying Mantis attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to romance resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the romance themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Praying Mantis reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Praying Mantis Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Praying Mantis incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a romance, drama, crime, tv movie film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Praying Mantis adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Praying Mantis?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Romance films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Praying Mantis
- Jonathan Pryce – Christian Magny
- Cherie Lunghi – Beatrice Manceau
- Carmen du Sautoy – Vera Canova
- Kevin McNally – Bernard
- David Schofield – Cafe Waiter
Top Highlights
Jonathan PryceChristian Magny
Cherie LunghiBeatrice Manceau
Carmen du SautoyVera Canova
Kevin McNallyBernard
David SchofieldCafe Waiter
Clive SwiftDr. Faure
Jonathan BlakeDavid
Anna CropperGertrude
Sarah BergerMadeleine
Richard WarnerMonsieur Magny
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Praying Mantis has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Romance, Drama, Crime, TV Movie), it contains mature themes, violence, romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5/10, and global collection metrics, Praying Mantis stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1982 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Praying Mantis movie hit or flop?
Praying Mantis has received mixed reviews with a 5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Praying Mantis worth watching?
Praying Mantis is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Romance, Drama, Crime movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Praying Mantis online?
Praying Mantis may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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