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.

This show was absolutely amazing, and I highly recommend it to anyone. The storyline and the journeys of the four main characters felt incredibly real and relatable. While some of the dialogue leans into familiar LGBTQ+ TV tropes-occasionally making certain moments feel a bit cliché or cringey-it also rings true to real experiences I've had, which made it deeply personal and impactful.

The core four actors delivered outstanding performances, bringing real depth and complexity to their characters. The writers and cast deserve recognition for portraying queer characters with nuance, something often lacking in similar shows within the genre. They also had a real chemistry with each other that I sometimes find lacking in many gay couples portrayed in TV.

At times, the sex scenes felt somewhat over-the-top and gratuitous, but they also reflected the authentic young gay experience in a way that many viewers, myself included, can relate to. I particularly appreciate the writers' approach to the endings of the two main couples-they avoided pandering to fan service and instead stayed true to the show's raw and authentic tone.

Going into this series, I didn't expect it to evoke such intense emotions, but there was a moment where I genuinely felt my heart break for two of the main characters. The entire cast was impressive, but Joe Klocek (who plays Matt) stood out the most-his phenomenal performance left a lasting impact on me, and I can't stop thinking about it (especially episode 9).

Although some fans are hoping for a second season, I believe the show ended perfectly. Everything wrapped up in a way that felt complete, even if the ending was heartbreaking. I'm still reeling from the emotional impact, but I'd absolutely recommend this series to anyone.

Holden Sheppard's novel Invisible Boys is likely the most moving and relatable book for many Aussie gay guys (especially if you grew up in a regional town).

Whether or not you have read the book - do yourself a favour and watch this TV show.

The adaptation is brilliant. It stays true to the overall narrative of the book, but has some fantastic additions too - such as the unintended impact of the same sex marriage vote on LGBTIQ+ kids, intersecting with the continued struggles of the aboriginal community, and delving deeper into isolation and mental health for men in the bush.

This adaptation is incredibly brave, highlighting the highs and lows of queer teenage life, without shying away from the awkwardness and messiness - something that we haven't seen in mainstream TV, both in Aus or abroad. Real life isn't Hollywood!

This is for all ages (MA15+ of course) - whether you're going through it now, have been through it in the past, or you're just human. There is so much to relate to with this show.

Thank you to Nicholas Verso for brining this to life so beautifully, and of course, to Holden! Joseph, Aydan, Zach and Joe, you really embodied Charlie, Zeke, Hammer and Matt. It means a lot to everyone who has connected so deeply to the characters via the book. Very grateful.

Growing up gay will probably never be easy or simple, but the more we are able to see ourselves in books and on screens, the better things will be for future generations of queer kids.

"I felt less alone knowing you were here."

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.