A PEEK INTO DEVIL’S PEAK

THE much-anticipated crime drama on everybody’s lips is finally here. Devil’s Peak premieres on M-Net on Sunday, 29 October at 8pm and will air for five weeks.

The limited series of five episodes was filmed in Cape Town in 2021 and cast and crew alike are eager to share their project with the world.

Based on the best-selling 2004 novel by renowned South African author Deon Meyer, the storyline was adapted for the screen by Matthew Orton.

For Deon, seeing his story brought to life is a delight.

“I’m delighted and proud to see [lead character] Benny Griessel and his world come alive on screen, thanks to a brilliant team of local and international talent,” Deon says. In Devil’s Peak we get to see local actor HILTON PELSER play detective Benny, who’s tasked with tracking down vigilante serial killer Thobela Mpayipheli, played by SISANDA HENNA.

Thobela offers a gripping performance of a man committing heinous crimes to avenge his son’s murder.

Midway through the series, single mother Christine van Rooyen, played by TARRYN WYNGAARD, is introduced. Her character is willing to do whatever it takes to make a better life for her and her daughter.

The series follows these three characters’ fates in an investigative thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat.

The cast also includes SHAMILLA MILLER, Masasa Mbangeni, Soli Philander and Litha Bam.

Playing Benny Griessel was a cathartic and rewarding experience for Hilton.

“This was the first time I worked on a project where I was required to be on set most of the time. I was there for 53 of the 56 days that we filmed,” he says.

“I worked with such kind and goodhearted people and the director, Jozua Malherbe, is so dedicated and talented. I’m grateful to have been a part of this project.”

Benny’s mental health issues resonated with Hilton.

“I’ve always been vocal about my struggle with anxiety. It made me empathise with Benny. It made me want to tell an honest story about what it’s like to struggle with that,” he says.

For Sisanda it was both fun and painful playing Thobela.

“The action always left me with a lot of body pains the next day, but it was a big project that was amazing to work on.”

Being a dad to two boys meant he was able to carry out Thobela’s role as a dad with ease.

“I’m obsessed with my kids and I love them to bits, so that meant a lot to me.”

RIGHT: The main characters are (from left) Shamilla Miller, Hilton Pelser, Tarryn Wyngaard and Sisanda Henna. ABOVE: Sisanda plays the bad guy. BELOW: Shamilla and Hilton in a scene from the fivepart series. ABOVE: Hilton plays detective Benny Griessel, the lead character in the TV adaptation of local author Deon Meyer’s mystery novels.