Invisible Boys

Invisible Boys is a breathtaking adaptation of Holden Sheppard's novel of the same name. It's not just one of the bravest LGBTQ+ series to come out of Australian TV-it's one of the best.

Told over 10 half-hour episodes, the series follows four closeted boys coming of age in the rough, coastal mining town of Geraldton, Western Australia. Each episode peels back the layers of their lives, revealing the raw reality of growing up gay in a place where masculinity is rigid, and acceptance feels out of reach.

Joe Klocek delivers a beautifully understated performance as Matt, a farm boy so deeply in denial he's hiding his sexuality even from himself. Joseph Zada, a relative newcomer, steals the show as Charlie, the rowdy goth with a defiant edge but a vulnerable core. Ayden Calafiore, known from Australia's Got Talent, shines as Zeke, the sharp-witted, no-nonsense nerd who refuses to be anyone's victim. Pia Miranda is a standout as his mother-playing a homophobic, sharp-tongued force of nature whose refusal to accept her son's truth is as heartbreaking as it is infuriating. Rounding out the group is Zach Blampied, whose portrayal of Hammer-the footy jock with a tender First Nations storyline-adds another layer of depth to this powerful ensemble.

The soundtrack is a pitch-perfect blend of Australian icons like Nick Cave, The Presets, and Kylie Minogue, adding emotional weight to every scene.

While the series is aimed at young adults, this is definitely not one to watch with the family-there are some graphic sex scenes that leave little to the imagination. But that rawness is part of what makes Invisible Boys so compelling.

Though viewers from all walks of life will find something to connect with, it's gay men who will likely see their younger selves reflected in one-or all-of the four boys. Parents and friends of LGBTQ+ people will also recognize familiar struggles in the supporting cast.

Like the novel, the story is driven by the boys' alternating narrations, weaving their individual journeys into a shared experience. Their paths collide in ways both tender and devastating, building toward a gripping final stretch-the last three episodes, in particular, hit like a gut punch and will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Invisible Boys is more than just a coming-of-age story-it's a fearless, unforgettable triumph.

We definetly need more tv shows like this. The heartbreak and the joy, the portratization of being queer and ignored(invisible), the frustrations we go through.

This series literally filled my heart. It destroyed it too, a bit. I was on the edge of my seat while watching the boys' story give real insight of what it is really like to be queer in a small town, and not just that. "Invisible boys" shows what is like to be just human, to be a mother, to be a friend, a lover or a fiancée, to literally just exist. We often feel stuck to a place, unable to move(away or on), and this series portrays it perfectly. It is not just the LGBTQ+ experience that is described with both beauty and sorrow, but the universal experience of being human and what it means to love, to love yourself or others.

I think the actors did a wonderful job fitting into the roles of Charlie, Zeke, Hammer and Matt. I felt and cried with them. And their story, their individual stories and their love stories, they just made me want them all to be happy. And I dearly hope that this tv show will get international recognition and praise, so I can dare to imagine we someday we will also get a 2nd season, to see how the boys are coping to their brand new lives.

This was such a fantastic adaption. I must say both couple had really great chemistry.. but I personally connected to Zeke and Hammer's storyline the most.. The actor who played Hammer truly delivered a gale force performance that was also assisted by the actors playing his aunt and mom. I love how they touched on so many societal issues with his character and the stigma and being part of a minority community in Australia.. a lot of people won't like the ending for one of the couples but I think it made sense.. it did not feel rushed or out of place and I think it was definitely essential to the plot. Fantastic show !!

This was honestly one of the best Australian shows I've watched. Aside from some small dialogue delivery at the beginning.

I won't go into it too much. But, Episode 9 was killer. I wasn't expecting the emotions. Haven't had that feeling since Game of Thrones and hoping Tyrion would die in every episode that he was in. Anxiety.

Charlie was absolutely fantastic. Everything about his character and what he went through.

Hammer was great, although, my least favourite. He was great and perfectly acted. An amazing scene with his Aunt. You'll know when you watch it.

But, Zeke. He was my favourite. He was a fantastic character played so perfectly. His story, his lows to his rise. It was fantastic. Don't get me started on the parents. I'm a little disappointed they didn't mention Zeke's likeness to Mewtwo from Pokémon the First Movie. Loved that part in the book.

Overall, it was an amazing show and hope Holden writes IB2 and we get a sequel. I need to know what happens to Charlie and Zeke and Hammer in Perth. But, most of all. I want to see how Charlie and Zeke deal with what happened to them.

This is one of the best Australian television series focusing on gay men and it needs to be seen by everyone. Set in the remote town of Geraldton, during the time of the gay marriage vote in Australia; it centres around the feelings and emotions of guys with brutal honesty and integrity. Whether you're gay or not, you can't help riding the emotional roller coaster with each of these characters. The performances are truly inspiring and endearing. All the actors do their parts so well. Pia Miranda who portrays a stereotypical homophonic matriarch is so good that she made me seethe with rage whenever she spoke her slurs.