One of South Africa’s most acclaimed authors, Deon Meyer’s gripping crime thriller novels have now been translated into 28 languages. Able to craft vivid stories with complex plots, relatable characters and full tilt action, it’s no wonder that Devil’s Peak and so many of his other books are being adapted to screen.

Most of his novels are set in South Africa and grapple with social issues affecting the beautiful country and its diverse people. A provocative title, Devil’s Peak is named after the summit next to Table Mountain, which serves as the backdrop for his seven-part Cape Town based crime series.

Devil’s Peak follows troubled detective Bennie Griessel who is drawn into the investigation of a brutal murder spree. As the body count racks up, Griessel is pressured to bring a vigilante killer to justice, doing everything in his power to navigate corruption, personal demons and a violent city along the way.

A star-studded local cast drives this gritty ensemble crime drama thriller, delivering intense and impassioned performances. A tense atmosphere, the suspense escalates as things spiral out of control.

Hilton Pelser – Bennie Griessel

Griessel is confronted with his own demons and the violent underbelly of a divisive city. Hot on the trail of a murderer whose choice of weapon is an assegaai, he struggles under the weight of his drinking problem. Trying to restore peace at home after a six month recovery programme, Bennie throws himself into the case.

Hilton Pelser plays the beleaguered detective, a handsome actor who could be described as equal parts Jake Gyllenhaal and Bradley Cooper. Having proved himself in international calibre films such as Moffie and Glasshouse, his brooding, restless and volatile lead performance keeps Devil’s Peak on edge.

Sisanda Henna – Thobela Mpayipheli

When his child is killed in an act of senseless violence, Thobela embarks on a vengeful quest to eliminate those responsible. Not waiting for the cogs of justice to turn, Mpayipheli uses his array of skills and an assegaai to become the judge and executioner. As the blood of the wicked spills across the city, Thobela becomes more entangled in what appears to be a syndicate with roots.

Seasoned actor, Sisanda Henna, finds himself in another Deon Meyer adaptation – having co-starred in Heart of the Hunter. Able to seamlessly switch from hero to villain, his versatility lends itself to the see-sawing role of Mpayipheli in Devil’s Peak. From Griekwastad and Trackers to Rogue, Henna’s proven he’s action-ready and captivates audiences with a textured performance as a vengeance-fueled vigilante.

Shamilla Miller – Anna Griessel

Being a single parent is a full-time job all on its own and being married to a cop comes with its own problems. For tough mother Anna Griessel, her husband’s ongoing drinking problem has forced her to create distance in a bid to remedy a difficult domestic situation. Having a little one, her protective instinct means she must do everything in her power to get Bennie to take responsibility in the hope of their family’s redemption.

Shamilla Miller is a rising star, who continues to impress with a string of solid performances in her wake. Having proven herself with series such as The Girl from St. Agnes, Dead Places and Blood & Water, she’s also tackled challenging film roles in The Umbrella Men and Love, Lies and Hybrids. Her defiant yet vulnerable turn as Anna represents Bennie’s precarious and shameful home life.

Tarryn Wyngaard – Christine van Rooyen

For call girl Christine van Rooyen, being the life of the party is just part of the job. A bottle blonde bombshell with a gold jacket, the escort finds herself in grave danger when she stumbles upon a crime scene at a high profile event at a Constantia mansion. A perceptive and plucky woman, she rejects the grotesque advances of the predatory host only to incur his wrath as a game of cat-and-mouse begins.

When it comes to exciting local acting talents, Tarryn Wyngaard is making waves at home and abroad. Her beautiful big eyes and distinctive voice make her familiar, having starred in The Watch, Pou, Pulse, Dam, Gebokste Liefde and now Devil’s Peak. Embracing the tragic role of Christine, she embroiders it with captivating screen presence and a heart-on-the-sleeve performance.

Albert Pretorius – Anton Heidt

For construction boss Anton Heidt, being in charge comes as a default setting. Greedy, tenacious and not used to hearing “no”, the oily and slithery character always finds a way to corral or silence his enemies. A complex beast, his devastating adoration for Christine finds him ready to kill or marry, punishing her with jealous rage and bending to her whims as his Achilles heel.

Albert Pretorius is always a solid contender, doing some remarkable work as Heidt in this intense and slippery two-faced performance with immense and intimidating screen presence. An accomplished and critically-acclaimed actor, Pretorius is best known for series such as One Piece and Donkerbos as well as films like Johnny is nie dood nie and Die Seemeeu.