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
Die Tollie & Manila Show
A bold talk show where SA celebs join drag queens Tollie Parton and Manila von Teez for an evening of conversation and games… in drag. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday.
The Station Strangler
The Station Strangler is a true-crime documentary investigating the serial killer who is believed to have killed 21 young boys and one adult from the late 80s to the mid-90s on the Cape Flats. Now available to stream.
Black & Blue S1
Black & Blue, a Showmax Original police-based mockumentary series, now streaming, with new episode every Wednesday.
Ubuthe Uzobuya
Ubuthe Uzobuya delves into the lives of couples torn apart when one partner abruptly disappears without explanation. Stream now, with new episodes every Tuesday.
Princess on a Hill
Princess on a Hill is a compelling drama series that explores themes of power, ambition, and the cost of success. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Brasse Vannie Kaap
Brasse Vannie Kaap is a documentary about the iconic, game-changing 90s group who helped make hip hop South African. Stream now on Showmax.
Soft Life
Soft Life follows Owami who enters into the secretive world of high-society companionship. Landing on Showmax soon!
Style Magnate
Style Magnate is a Nigerian Showmax Original following 20 designers vying for a life-changing prize. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
Youngins S2, coming to Showmax
Soft Life, coming to Showmax
More Mzansi gold
See the must-watch trailer for Unfollowed Season 2
Showmax has released the trailer for Unfollowed S2, featuring SA celebs who have been “cancelled.” Hosted by Spitch Nzawumbi, S2 lands on 27 November.
20+ addictive South African reality shows to stream
Stream Die Tollie & Manila Show, The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice, The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip and more of South Africa’s best reality shows on Showmax.
South African sitcom showdown: Hotel vs Taktiek
The Afrikaans sitcoms Hotel and Taktiek, both in the style of The Office, have gained growing popularity among local audiences. But which one should you watch first?
How Die Tollie & Manila Show turned SA celebs into queens
Manila von Teez shares a little backstage gossip about how SA’s celebs – from Frank Opperman and Helen Zille to Jack Parrow and Soli Philander – got a big drag makeover.