Charlotte Hope Delves into the Abyss as SA's First Serial Killer Profiler in "Catch Me A Killer"

British actress Charlotte Hope, renowned for her roles in "Game of Thrones" and "The Spanish Princess," is now leading the charge in a compelling South African production entitled “Catch Me A Killer,” based on the true story of South Africa’s leading serial killer profiler, Micki Pistorius. The show, adapted from Pistorius’s own memoir, has already captured the attention of viewers globally, riding on the waves of true crime’s growing popularity.

From its recent premiere, the series met with acclaim, and Hope is at the heart of this gritty narrative, playing the freshly-minted forensic psychologist. Taking the viewers on a grim journey, the show reveals frightening and riveting accounts of South Africa’s most notorious criminals, including the infamous Cleveland Killer and the appalling Stewart Wilken.

Hope’s portrayal of Pistorius is pivotal, offering a rare glimpse into the psyche of those behind the profiling of such criminals, and the series is admired for shedding light on a unique kind of protagonist – a dauntless woman in a profession steeped in skepticism and dominated by men during her era.

The show not only focuses on the ‘whodunit’ aspect typical of crime dramas but digs into the ‘whydunit,’ exploring the psychological underpinnings of criminal behaviour and the motives driving such heinous acts. “Catch Me A Killer” is therefore not just a crime drama; it’s a psychological delve, a study in human darkness.

The narrative portrays Pistorius’s battle for legitimacy and respect in a field where her peers often dismissed her efforts. It was a time when the inclusion of psychology in criminal investigation was mocked and its proponents considered as squandering precious time and resources. Hope's interest in the project surged upon reading the series' script, as she claimed they were the best she’d come across in a long time.

With a bustling cast featuring established and fresh talent – Steven Ward, Donna Cormack-Thomson, and guest appearances from actors like Lemogang Tsipa and Sean Cameron Michael – the show thrives on dynamic performances. For Hope, working alongside this diverse crew was particularly fulfilling, both intellectually and emotionally. The synergy among the cast and crew accentuated the acting experience for her on set.

Moreover, Hope had an enriching experience working with award-winning directorial minds such as Rene van Rooyen, Brett Michael-Innes, and Tracey Larcombe. However, it was her interactions with Micki Pistorius herself that brought a unique depth to her portrayal. Through guidance provided by Pistorius, Hope navigated the character’s journey, from the rigorous academic aspects to managing the emotional toll the role demanded.

Hope has been candid about the demanding nature of her role, recognizing that playing a character who dwells in the depths of human depravity can be mentally exhausting. With art imitating life, she emphasized the need for authenticity to do justice to Pistorius’s story while acknowledging the personal consequences of immersing oneself so wholly into a dark narrative.

“Catch Me A Killer” unravels the multi-layered personality of Micki Pistorius and presents an intimate, in-depth look into the investigation process behind some of South Africa’s most chilling criminal cases. As Hope adeptly channels Pistorius, viewers are invited to partake in this grim yet eye-opening experience, available exclusively on Showmax with new episodes airing every Tuesday.