Donkerbos
Made in South Africa
A small South African town hides some chilling secrets in this twisty crime drama that’s already being called a “masterpiece”.
When the bodies of six children are found in the backwater forests of Donkerbos, Limpopo, an ostracised detective (multi-award-winner Erica Wessels from Dwaalster and i am ALL GIRLS) must wrestle with her dark past, her family and a distrustful community to catch the killer before another child is taken.
Written and directed by Nico Scheepers (Nêrens, Noord-Kaap), the 18LSVN series is produced by Nagvlug Films (2022 SAFTA winner Nêrens, Noord-Kaap, 2022 SAFTA nominee Skemerdans, and 2022 Oscar entry Barakat).
The series also stars Sanda Shandu, Thoko Ntshinga as cops assisting on the headline-grabbing case, as well as Silwerskermfees winners Jacques Bessenger (Fynskrif), Stian Bam (The Story of Racheltjie de Beer), Aphiwe Sithole (Poppie Nongena), Carel Nel (Gaia) and Rolanda Marais (Trackers), multi-award winners Wilhelm van der Walt (Fynskrif) and Leandie Du Randt (Meisies Wat Fluit), Fleur du Cap winner Nicole Holm (Fynskrif), along with Nicola Hanekom (Faan se Trein), Caleb Payne (Good Life), Edwin van der Walt (Troukoors) and newcomers Steph van der Merwe and Marko Vorster.
All eight episodes are ready to binge-watch, exclusive to Showmax.
Deeper into Donkerbos
Edwin van der Walt on Donkerbos: “All Braam wanted to do was help”
Edwin van der Walt brings the troubled character Braam to life in the chilling Showmax Original thriller series Donkerbos.
Made in South Africa
Donkerbos Episode 8 finale recap: Let Them Sleep
Donkerbos comes to a shocking conclusion in the final episode.
Made in South Africa
Donkerbos episode 7 recap: The Dogs
Does the past hold the key to the terrifying murders in Donkerbos?
Made in South Africa
Donkerbos episode 6 recap: For the children
In possibly the most disturbing episode of Showmax Original Donkerbos so far, Wolf and Fanie receive an important clue.
Made in South Africa
Donkerbos episode 5 recap: To serve another
Detectives Fanie and Tsedza are shining a light through the darkness that is threatening to consume the small Limpopo town of Donkerbos.
Made in South Africa
Donkerbos episode 4 recap: Der mutterbaum
The Mother Tree: where will the clues lead detectives Fanie and Tsedza in this episode of Showmax Original thriller Donkerbos?
Made in South Africa
Stian Bam on playing detective Wolf in Donkerbos
As Wolf, an inept cop in Donkerbos, Stian Bam doesn’t shy away from the ugly truth.
Made in South Africa
Donkerbos episode 3 recap: The tree house
Pieces of the (mirror crown) puzzle are starting to come together for detectives Fanie and Tsedza in the South African thriller series Donkerbos.
Made in South AfricaIn the press
On Tagged Online: Slick, edgy and absolutely thrilling
An Afrikaans murder mystery set in Limpopo might have you thinking, “nah, not for me”, but Donkerbos will pull you in and grab a tight hold before you’ve finished half of the first episode.
On News24: Donkerbos lifts the veil on a horror we try very hard not to think about
Fantastic writing and gorgeously macabre cinematography… on par with any international art film… High quality and some of the best South Africa has produced.
On TVPlus: A cinematic masterpiece
It will keep viewers on the edge of their seat and shock them with twists, turns and red herrings. It’s a dark story with real truths that is sometimes hard to digest, but it’s one of the best Afrikaans series we have ever come across.
The best series to binge now
Queens Court S1-2
Queens Court follows three famous single women seeking love and happiness with the help of power couple Holly and Rodney Peete.
The Good Doctor S7
Freddie Highmore stars as a young, autistic surgeon in this fan-favourite medical drama. Season 7 is the final season.
Hacks S1-3
Emmy winner Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder make an odd partnership in the acclaimed HBO dramedy Hacks, about a legendary Vegas comedian and her new writer.
Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard S1-2
A group of friends vacation in the historical and picturesque Martha’s Vineyard. From yacht parties to electrifying romances, fun and drama are always on the docket during this island gateway.