Pulse
Made in South Africa
A group of video game developers become trapped in a real-world version of their own creation when they’re cornered in their high-rise office building by a madman who just wants to play.
In Pulse, an international group of video game creators discover that survival is no longer just a game when they’re trapped in their high-rise office building after a catastrophic event.
It was picked by the Hollywood Reporter as one of the 25 buzziest series at this year’s MIPTV, a leading global TV market in Cannes, France.
Pulse is now streaming, exclusively on Showmax.
“Pulse is unique in so many ways,” says SAFTA winner Tarryn Wyngaard (Stam, DAM, Dwaalster). She plays Jaz, creator of a hit indie game that’s getting a mainstream reboot, for better or worse. “Stephen Clarke’s scripts were so incredibly out of this world and like nothing I’ve ever read before.”
SAFTA winner Thapelo Mokoena (Trackers, Bulletproof, Wild at Heart) is playing against type as her ex, the reboot’s narcissistic producer. “There isn’t anything like this show,” he says. “No offence to every other amazing series I’ve made, but Pulse is really one of the most, if not the most, amazing project I’ve ever made in my 20-year career.”
Meet the cast of Pulse
Dom (Sven Ruygrok)
Dom is the building janitor, and he has a saviour complex that could either bring the group to safety – or lead them straight into danger.
Eddie (Carel Nel)
The building’s security officer, Eddie is obsessed with Pulse, the computer game that’s being released – an obsession that’ll play out in a deadly way.
Caspar (Earl Wan)
Game developer Caspar is a hypochondriac. Will his nervous disposition endanger the group as they try to navigate their way out of the building?
Errol (Thapelo Mokoena)
As handsome as he is arrogant, Errol is the game producer and team leader. He’s played by Thapelo Mokoena (Trackers, Bulletproof).
Jaz (Tarynn Wyngaard)
A troubled video game designer, Jaz has a public face – but it’s hiding some secret trauma that might come out as she fights for her life.
More about Pulse
Spud’s Sven Rugyrok on his role in Showmax Original Pulse
Best known as Spud’s Rambo, Sven Ruygrok is now on screen in Showmax’s horror Original Pulse.
Earl Wan on his role in the “absolutely insane” horror series Pulse
British actor Earl Wan brings his experience on the sets of Zack Snyder’s Justice League and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story to Showmax Original Pulse.
Thapelo Mokoena is at his most calculating in Showmax Original Pulse
Best known for series like Trackers, Thapelo Mokoena takes on a complex character in Showmax Original Pulse.
“I love playing really weird and out-there characters.” Carel Nel on his creepy new role in Pulse
He’s picked up several international roles; now, Carel Nel channels his inner madman in new Showmax Original horror series Pulse.
“Fearing for your life is a universal thing that people understand.” Taryn Wyngaard on Pulse
Tarryn Wyngaard is fast becoming one of South Africa’s best known faces. She brings her talents to Showmax Original horror series Pulse.
“Horror is about human stories.” Albert Pretorius on playing Denny in Pulse
Nerens, Noord Kaap’s Albert Pretorius is playing against type in his role in survival horror and Showmax Original Pulse.
Ready, player? 8 series and movies inspired by video games
Love gaming? Check out these top movies and series inspired by the world of video games.
Pulse
In the six-episode survival horror Pulse, a group of video game developers become trapped in a real-world version of their own creation.
Made in South AfricaIn the press
On IOL: Thapelo Mokoena goes against the grain in new Showmax series Pulse
“Pulse is a journey that introduces you to the different types of people – their strengths and weaknesses, the highs and lows, the securities and insecurities – through the world of gaming."
On Pfangirl: Stream scene
"Garnering quite some international buzz, this local high-tech horror series looks to set your… pulse pounding. Shot in South Africa and Mauritius, this new series boasts a who’s who of local talent in front of and behind the scene, and looks especially intriguing if you’re a gamer – and hey, would you look at that! I am!"
On Huisgenoot: Pulse
"Pulse is uniek op soveel maniere," het Tarryn [Wyngaard] al vertel. "Stephen Clarke se draaiboek was so ongelooflik onvoorspelbaar en soos niks wat ek al ooit voorheen gelees het nie."
The best movies to stream
Elphaba and Glinda’s Wicked little guide
Find out what Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have to say about Wicked, pick up 10 magical behind-the-scenes facts, and explore 7 more schools of witchcraft and wizardry.
Push play on Father’s Day: Dads just want to have fun
If you’re trying to figure out what the mystery man known as dad really wants this Father’s Day, promise him one-on-one time with our Dads Just Wanna Have Fun collection.
James McAvoy and James Watkins on Speak No Evil
Speak No Evil director James Watkins and star James McAvoy explain “host” Paddy’s creepy charisma, and we check out 6 more roles that prove you never know what to expect with James McAvoy.
Celebrate World Oceans Day with My Penguin Friend
My Penguin Friend director David Schurmann and actor Jean Reno explain how you shoot a penguin. Plus, explore our World Oceans Day watchlist of 25 wet and wild movies and series.