Boy Swallows Universe

This series puts it's characters through the mill, as a dysfunctional family is ravaged by crime, drugs and violence. But watching them eventually triumph over such pain and difficulty is a pleasure. That pleasure is enhanced particularly by the performance of Felix Cameron as the young Eli Bell. What a great young actor! For much of the series he provides the heart so central to the success of this show. Simon Baker provides very effective support as the alcoholic father whose life is suddenly turned upside down.

It's good to see Bryan Brown again too.

Not everything is believable, but suspend that disbelief and you will enjoy this feel-good series.

At the beginning, I had no high expectations - but it was unbelievably good! Truly a series for binge-watching. Initially, you think, okay, another gangster series about drugs and gangs, but that's not the case.

The story is incredibly diverse, containing elements of action, mystery, drama, thriller, love, and yet it doesn't feel overloaded or dull. The series has depth. Additionally, the characters, the story, the acting performance = terrific.

I think it gets even more exciting and complex towards the middle, and there's a twist in the story that you don't expect.

Please watch it - it's so worth it.

Wow, what a wonderful series based around suburban life in Australia, with a dysfunctional family.

All of the characters are great, and all bring their own value to the series, which keeps you entertained throughout.

A special mention must be given to the young Eli and Gus. They are exceptional actors, and hopefully this is just one of many productions we will see them in.

You don't need to be Australian to enjoy this series, but if you are, there are many references to enjoy and relate to.

It's great to see a series come to a natural ending, and not leaving the plot open for another series. However I could see how a second series would work, when the family are a little older.

"Boy Swallows Universe" is like a warm embrace from the pages of its beloved book, effortlessly translating the magic to the screen. Honestly, I usually don't get all emotional watching book adaptations, but this one just hit differently. It's like they reached into my imagination and pulled out exactly what I pictured when I read it - surreal and incredible.

For us Aussies, it's a bit like time travel. The show whisks you back to 1980s Brisbane, where the struggles depicted feel more like memories than fiction. To those who claim it misrepresents the era, well, maybe they didn't have the same experiences. Try telling a Queensland cop your problems back then and see how that goes.

Now, let's talk about the cast - stellar doesn't even cover it. Felix Cameron's waterworks had me reaching for the tissues every time. And Phoebe Tonkin, man, I've been a fan since her "H2O: Just Add Water" days. Throw in Travis Fimmel, Simon Baker, and Bryan Brown - it's like an Aussie acting dream team.

In a nutshell, "Boy Swallows Universe" isn't just a show; it's a journey back in time, a rollercoaster of emotions, and a celebration of Aussie talent. If you're up for a wild, heart-tugging ride, this one's a must-watch.

Boy Swallows Universe is limited series on Netflix about a family living in the suburbs of Australia and their lives are ruined due to drug trade gone bad. The story is based on the 1980's with a combination of great music from that era. The series follows two young boys Eli and his mute brother Gus Bell. They lose their parents to divorce and later their mother played by Phoebe Tonkin serves time for a crime she didn't commit. Their stepfather played by Travis Fimmel ends up getting captured by a mobster played by Ivan Kroll who is played by Christopher James Baker. Eli's life spirals out of control and fate keeps obstacles in his way, including a legendary business/drug lord Tytus Broz who is played by Anthony LaPaglia. This is one of the best adapted screenplay written by Trent Dalton to be made into a series with a great Aussie cast that also included Simon Baker who played the boys' father, Bryan Brown as Slim, and Adam Briggs. You will love this series, it was well written, beautiful cast, and with great direction.