'Butterfly' Review: Prime Video's New High-Octane Spy Thriller
- Shauna Bushe
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
By Shauna Bushe - August 13, 2025
Daniel Dae Kim stars an enigmatic former US intelligence spy, now on the run in the new series Butterfly, an adaption of the graphic novel from BOOM! Studios originally created by Arash Amel.
What is the Prime Video series 'Butterfly' about?
Butterfly is as a complex spy thriller, character driven and explores family dynamics with-in a world of global exploitation. Centred is David (Daniel Dae Kim) a former spy who resurfaces after faking his own death nine years ago after the organisation he created turned against him. Now he must face the consequences of his actions and rescue his daughter Rebecca (Hardesty) from the life of an assassin. Once again, he finds himself staring down the barrel of a gun and slipping down the rabbit hole of trouble which he fought so hard to escape. The pair of them eventually team up to escape the organisation once and for all. Despite the tension between them, due to David's absence from Rebecca's life, their shared dire situation brings both closer together, providing an enthralling series of events.
Having a show as hard-hitting as a spy-thriller called ‘Butterfly’ would obviously make you hesitate to give it a go, but once it gets going, the interesting premise and compelling characters make it totally worth it. It’s off the rail’s energy abides by no rules and feels mighty rough around the edges. Like all spy thrillers you have your valiant hero, mercenaries out for blood and a secret organisation that craves the world on its knees. Butterfly gives you what you want, full mayhem, twists, suspense, and it’s delivered through some outstanding performances.
We first meet David singing on karaoke, appearing drunk and having a great time with friends – until he leaves the room and pulls out a weapon. Oh, it’s go time! Daniel Dae Kim has been seen on TV as a background character for quite some time; in Lost, Hawaii Five-O, The Good Doctor to name a few. It’s finally time we see him lead a show as the main character and exhibit just how capable he is. As a humanely vulnerable and fearlessly courageous father, he steals the screen in Butterfly. But be careful not to mistake his compassion for his family for weakness.
As for Rebecca (Hardesty) who gives us a taste of the merciless action within the first five minutes, can switch in-to a smart and ruthless weapon like its second nature; with a wicked grin she wouldn’t think twice to put you down. After infiltrating the building where her mission is located and assassinating her target, she efficiently evades authorities by swapping outfits at multiple checkpoints with a cunning deftness. As the show progresses cracks begin to show in Rebeccas cold heart. She might be a trained assassin, but that little girl inside needs her father more than anything in the world.
Further into the story we go gaps begin to fill in and it’s from Rebecca we learn of Juno (Piper Perabo) the main antagonist of the series. Piper is revealed to be Davids’s old partner from nine years ago, and now the sole leader of the killer spy organisation Caddis. Juno is cold, calculating and driven by greed. Her son Olivier (Louis Landeu) craves her attention and tries to appease her demands just to feel validated. It’s that fundamental catalyst which leads to the inevitable downfall of their relationship.
The foundation of Butterfly heavily revolves around family; the struggles of parenting, children finding purpose or self-identity, and it’s handled with great care. Some moments may even choke you up – I know it got me. Rebecca learns her father remarried and has another daughter and the impact of replacement makes it difficult for her to move past. Juno and Oliver are complete opposites, Oliver feels remorse and humanity whereas Juno, replaced hers with money, power and a cold heart. The differences between them all play a huge part in the choices they make and the advancement of the show.
Is the Prime Video Series 'Butterfly' worth watching?
This six-part series is jam packed with crowd-pleasing action, ruthless enemies and easy-to-root -for main characters. The screen explodes with a spray of bullets, explosions, along with close quarter fight sequences that are shot with detail; specifically, one altercation in an elevator. It’s a brilliant first hook that only keeps pulling you in as the story plays out. Kim and Hardesty are the best of the show; she’s a ticking time bomb and he’s the pin keeping her sane. If you’re looking for your next spy thriller, Butterfly is the pick for you.
'Butterfly' is streaming now on Prime Video
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