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Boy Swallows Universe

  • TV Mini Series
  • 2024
  • TV-MA
  • 1h
IMDb RATING
7.9/10
21K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
719
600
Boy Swallows Universe (2024)
In 1980s Brisbane, a precocious boy and his selectively mute brother embark on a suburban odyssey of love, redemption and retribution after their family is torn apart by a drug lord.
Play trailer2:24
4 Videos
99+ Photos
Coming-of-AgeTeen DramaCrimeDramaMystery

In 1980s Brisbane, a precocious boy and his selectively mute brother embark on a suburban odyssey of love, redemption, and retribution after their family is torn apart by a drug lord.In 1980s Brisbane, a precocious boy and his selectively mute brother embark on a suburban odyssey of love, redemption, and retribution after their family is torn apart by a drug lord.In 1980s Brisbane, a precocious boy and his selectively mute brother embark on a suburban odyssey of love, redemption, and retribution after their family is torn apart by a drug lord.

  • Stars
    • Simon Baker
    • Bryan Brown
    • Phoebe Tonkin
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.9/10
    21K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    719
    600
    • Stars
      • Simon Baker
      • Bryan Brown
      • Phoebe Tonkin
    • 140User reviews
    • 22Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 19 wins & 20 nominations total

    Episodes7

    Browse episodes
    TopTop-rated1 season2024

    Videos4

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:24
    Official Trailer
    Official Teaser
    Trailer 1:00
    Official Teaser
    Official Teaser
    Trailer 1:00
    Official Teaser
    Boy Swallows Universe
    Trailer 2:22
    Boy Swallows Universe
    Boy Swallows Universe: Season 1
    Trailer 0:54
    Boy Swallows Universe: Season 1

    Photos131

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    + 126
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    Top cast99+

    Edit
    Simon Baker
    Simon Baker
    • Robert Bell
    • 2024
    Bryan Brown
    Bryan Brown
    • Arthur 'Slim' Halliday
    • 2024
    Phoebe Tonkin
    Phoebe Tonkin
    • Frances Bell
    • 2024
    Anthony LaPaglia
    Anthony LaPaglia
    • Tytus Broz
    • 2024
    Lee Tiger Halley
    Lee Tiger Halley
    • August 'Gus' Bell
    • 2024
    Sophie Wilde
    Sophie Wilde
    • Caitlyn Spies
    • 2024
    Travis Fimmel
    Travis Fimmel
    • Lyle Orlik
    • 2024
    Christopher James Baker
    Christopher James Baker
    • Ivan Kroll
    • 2024
    Toby Schmitz
    Toby Schmitz
    • Tim Cotton
    • 2024
    Rob Carlton
    • Brian Robertson
    • 2024
    Felix Cameron
    Felix Cameron
    • Eli Bell
    • 2024
    Adam Briggs
    Adam Briggs
    • Alex Bermuda
    • 2024
    Zachary Wan
    • Darren Dang
    • 2024
    Eloise Rothfield
    Eloise Rothfield
    • Shelly Huffman
    • 2024
    Auden Ryan
    • Eli (6 Years)
    • 2024
    Jake Cockburn
    Jake Cockburn
    • Gus (7 Years)
    • 2024
    HaiHa Le
    HaiHa Le
    • Bich Dang
    • 2024
    Aimee Duroux
    Aimee Duroux
    • Prison Guard A…
    • 2024
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews140

    7.920.9K
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    Featured reviews

    10kcl1123

    The best book to screen adaptation I've seen in a long time

    "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.
    9cosimat-91385

    Way better than expected

    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.
    9thejdrage

    A Surprise to this American who wished she'd read the book first

    I needed a new series to warm me up during our literal arctic blast, so an Aussie one seemed a good idea. It was BRILLIANT!

    As an American, I am well acquainted with Brian Brown, Anthony LaPaglia, Simon Baker, and the always incomparable Deborah Mailman. The other cast members, while new to me, will be ones that I will be on the look-out for from now on. The young Eli reminded me of a young Heath Ledger and made me smile - a lot - as did his brother Gus. OMG!!

    I truly wish I had read the book before seeing the series. As usual, some scenes need a suspension of belief. The things I would have missed in the book are the paintings we were treated to in this. Outstanding! Beyond creative. And something that drew me into the story even more.

    This series is "feel good" all the way around, with some violence here and there. Not always deserved, but that's life isn't it?

    I hope you enjoy this series half as much as I did!! If you're a reader, I'd recommend you read the book first!!

    Thank you, Australia!
    8Rob1331

    Surprised by how much I enjoyed this

    I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this series. Bow Swallows Universe is adapted from a best selling novel from Trent Dalton. It takes place in Brisbane, Australia. We follow the story of Eli Bell and his family. His family is a mess, he has a brother who rarely talks, a mother who's on and off junkie, a stepfather who deals heroin, and an absent father. But even though there's a lot of pain and sadness there is also a lot of love and redemption. This is actually a feel good story that I couldn't stop watching. I binged all seven episodes in two days. I'll be surprised if this series doesn't get nominated for multiple awards.
    8lakings97

    Loved it

    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.

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Based on Trent Dalton's semi-biographical book.
    • Connections
      Featured in The Project: Episode dated 20 August 2024 (2024)

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    FAQ

    • How many seasons does Boy Swallows Universe have?
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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • January 11, 2024 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • Australia
    • Official sites
      • EIDR
      • Official Facebook
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Хлоп'я поглинає всесвіт
    • Filming locations
      • Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
    • Production companies
      • Brouhaha Entertainment
      • Chapter One Pictures
      • Anonymous Content
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 16:9 HD

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