2 October 2019
The Strain S1-4
If you’re easily grossed out, The Strain is probably not for you. This new take on the old legend of vampires was imagined by producer, director and screenwriter Guillermo del Toro, who also directed Hellboy and Pan’s Labyrinth.
The story begins with a downed plane in which everyone is seemingly dead, with no visible cause. A group of experts in biological threats is sent in to investigate – and that’s when things get really weird. Without giving too much away, instead of creepy pale guys hanging out in the shadows wanting to bite your neck, this all starts with parasitic worms that crave human blood and escalates to a monster that materialises from the floor.
The mystery seems to be connected to a coffin-like cabinet that was in the hold of the plane, but when the surviving passengers and the coffin are allowed to leave the airport, the virus is free to multiply. And that’s when the horror really begins.
Del Toro and his production partner Chuck Hogan wrote the trilogy of books upon which the series is based.
“The Strain isn’t eye candy, it’s eye protein as the vampires are parasite worms that infect humans through their eyeballs,” explains Guillermo. The Strigoi (Romanian vampires) are the modern-day army of the undead created by The Master, the ancient one created by the parasites.
Their enemies aren’t sunlight or holy water, but The Born – vampires with a consciousness who fight alongside human resistance fighters led by Abraham Setrakian (David Bradley), who has first-hand experience with The Master.
Sure, it only won two awards (Most Exciting New Series at the 2014 Critics Choice Television Awards, and actress Natalie Brown (resistance fighter Kelly Goodweather) won Best Actress in a TV Series at the Golden Maple Awards in 2016, but it’s good. It’s gory. And it’s a refreshing take on the old Dracula story.
Be warned: you’ll need a strong stomach – the gross-out factor is off the charts.
Original African stories by local talent
Untying Kantai
Untying Kantai follows King Kantai, a man who has spent 30 years of his life working hard to provide for his family, only to be conned out of his life savings. Stream from 9 May, with new episodes weekly.
Big Girl Small World
Stream the new Kenyan romcom series Big Girl Small World from 8 May, with new episodes every week.
Empini S1
Stream the Showmax Original drama series Empini from 23 May 2024.
Original Sin: My Son The Killer
Original Sin: My Son The Killer follows the murder of Andrea Venter by Gerhard Jansen van Vuuren, who then went on the run from South Africa to Brazil.
Tracking Thabo Bester
From the makers of Devilsdorp and the director of Convict Conman comes the true-crime documentary South Africa has been waiting for. All the episodes are streaming on Showmax.
The Illuminated
The Showmax Original docuseries The Illuminated explores different religious movements in South Africa. All episodes now streaming.
Koek S1
The crime comedy Koek, starring Cindy Swanepoel. All the episodes are streaming on Showmax.
Ekhaya Backpackers S1
Stream the Showmax Original comedy series Ekhaya Backpackers. All the episodes are now streaming.
What will be the cost of vengeance? Empini S1, coming soon
The Roast Of Minnie Dlamini, now streaming
More Mzansi gold
9 most shocking moments in The Illuminated
Are you strong enough to binge Showmax Original documentary series The Illuminated? Here’s what you’ll need to prepare yourself.
Youngins Season 1 Episode 37-39 recap: Expelled!
While the five’s video goes viral, they’re swiftly expelled and forced to return home following a disciplinary hearing in Episodes 37-39 of Showmax Original Youngins.
What to watch on Showmax in May 2024
Stream Barbie and Oppenheimer in South Africa now, only on Showmax. Plus a ton more great stuff coming in May.
The Mommy Club Season 2 Episode 11 recap: Cutting through
In episode 11 of The Mommy Club S2, Hermajesty hosts a ‘Healing with Hermajesty’ night picnic that turns sour. New episodes every Monday.