User reviews

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.

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.

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.

"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 every bit as good as everyone is saying it is. I've never heard of the book before so I had no expectations going into it. All I know is that people have been raving about it and it was on Netflix's Top 10 for months. I finally watched it and like I said it's really good. Theresa cast is fantastic, I was already fans of Travis Fimmel, Phoebe Tonkin and Simon Baker from past shows I liked and they were all great here too but the like everyone else has already mentioned, Felix Cameron, who plays the kid, Eli, is a breakout star. I can't say enough about this kid. Lee Tiger Hailey, who plays Eli's brother, Gus, also gives a good performance. I definitely would recommend this to anyone looking for a a good new show.

It warmed my heart. It reminded me at the time when people were not so obsessed by external package. Human interaction, care, connection of pre-internet time that we will very soon celebrate in museums only.

I already have scenes and quotes that will forever stay inside of me. The cast is amazing, the story is told in a authentic, warm way, and with all the variety of it - this is the story about LOVE.

Love of brothers, friends, family, and what blows me completely and what I have been missing is this enthusiasm and initiative of people of -80.ties that I don't see in new kids anymore.

I can't say more without spoiling it but I want to congratulate to all the participants in this series, to thank them, and recommend this from the bottom of my heart to everyone.

Unlike another reviewer - to state this was not like Brisbane they must of grown up in a different area. I grew up over the river but went to school with children from that part of town. The corruption (police), the settings, the school environment, and housing was (sensationalised of course it is a show) a great depiction of a time when a young city was coming of age.

In just my small sample the children I went to school with were dealing with all the elements in the show/ book and more.

Up to episode 3 could have binged all of them in one night. Looking forward to watching the rest of them soon.

To me it's a wasted chance to make something really cool. The show has 7 episodes and the first 5 of them are just brilliant! Everybody did a great job and Felix Cameron as the 12-year-old Eli was just out of this world! The story was cool, the characters were damn authentic and I just couldn't help myself diving into all this without looking back. However, the last two episodes - in my opinion - ruined everything. Seemed like they were made by other people, way less professional, and way less interested in the end product... Suddenly turning a believable criminal story with minor fantasy elements into a freaking cheap superhero movie... it's weak, it's just so weak. I can't believe the team didn't see how wrong the ending was. It's like an ending taken from another show... Anyway, I'd give 8/10 to the first 5 episodes and 2/10 to the last two episodes. Meh.

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!

Outstanding cast - gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, heartening, funny, confronting, relatable, beautiful, delightful....absolutely loved it. Swallowed me wholly and fully .

Nail biting stuff. Even better than the book, sorry Trent Dalton. The fact that it is set here in Brisbane, Western suburbs makes it all very nostalgic and disturbing all in one! Great cast! Fantastic acting all round from leads to all the minor actors. Loving it cannot wait to see the last couple of episodes. Netflix is on fire lately, they released the bother sun which was dope , and now this show. Netflix should keep these great productions coming!

What a show the acting by every character was amazing , one of the finest series ever made , my first review on here for anything just because it deserves it, powerful , funny , sad a roller coaster of emotions it felt like you went along with them through there life. Australia does make very realistic shows that should be recognised world wide. And the acting should by recognised as they are all brilliant and believeable characters. I grew up in Australia in the 80,s as a child And couldn't fault the set and surrounding areas felt like i was back there. Incredible... do yourself a favour sit down and watch it all in one go you won't regret it .

1985 in Australia under the Queensland blistering sun and a suburb forgotten by prosperity, as young Eli Bell navigates the game of survival in a dysfunctional family that falls prey to the seedy underbelly of crime and police corruption. Sounds like a bleak crime thriller, but the characters make it a joy to watch.

From Lyle Orlik embodied by Travis Fimmel (best performance since Vikings), to Bryon Brown as the wise elder, and even Simon Baker as the drunken father, these are absolute true Australian larrikins of a bygone era.

But this series would not have worked if wasn't for Felix Cameron, very impressive as Eli, and it is this standout performance that is pivotal to the whole series coming together for this dark surreal thriller that dishes out bogan-ocker philosophy in all its funny wisdom...

I'm only on episode 3 and I am addicted ....it's so Aussie and so 80's and the music is fantastic. The acting well the boy who plays Eli deserves an award for this.....I'm sure he is going to be one of our best actors ever. I love Gus too ....he has amazing facial expressions and a gorgeous smile. Always a pleasure to see Bryan Brown. What can I say about Travis Fimmel? Well I have read the book and initially I came here to look at Travis he's so bloody handsome and has an undeniable charisma about him. It's still nice looking at him after Vikings which I loved. But the show is amazing I bloody love it. I will be binge watching this today.

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.

It's getting rave reviews and I want to support local Australian productions. The acting, sets, costumes are all great. They work together to trigger memories of my own childhood in the 80s, parts of it spent in Brisbane with family there. I think this is what I mostly enjoyed about this series.

The story and the actions of the characters are not realistic but as a work of fiction, I can accept that. Still, it just seems too far fetched for me at times and had me shaking my head with frustration.

The portrayal of life in the 80s was reasonably good but I think I did partly rely on some of my own memories to fill out what life was like back then. The series did, however, capture the general sense of freedom, boredom and adventure that I feel most kids went through pretty well.

Boy Swallows Universe has me wanting to re-watch series like "The Henderson Kids" (1985-86) which, from my somewhat hazy memory, had more plausible storylines but deals with childhood issues set in the 80s (modern times when produced). Plus it had a stellar 80s cast - including Nadine Garner, Kylie Minogue, Ben Mendelsohn and Annie Jones. Also check out the follow up "The Henderson Kids II" (1987). Those will get your nostalgia juices flowing.

Fantastic series. Extremely well rounded. A solid storyline that carries through until the last episode. Some violence and gore, but not as serious as an Underbelly series. Plenty of feel good moments, and the series makes you think a lot, but it's not drawn out. Keeps you hooked through the whole series, but you don't get bored. I found there was no flat, boring spots. The producers have done an amazing job on this mini series, honestly one of the best Aussie mini series i have seen in a very long time. Corruption, greed, violence, and gangsters, without being a gore fest. The main criminal in this series isn't pushed in your face constantly, but you always remember he is in the backround, and he is seriously evil. This show is 100% watcher for anyone that loves a solid Aussie gangster show, with a good mixture of storyline and not just straight violence. I almost aliked it to a mini series of Two Hands the movie. Very well done indeed!

As a fervent admirer of Trent Dalton's "Boy Swallows Universe," I was eagerly awaiting the Netflix adaptation to bring to life the magic of Dalton's prose. Unfortunately, while the series showcased remarkable performances and captured the essence of the novel's spirit, it ultimately faltered in its conclusion, leaving me with a sense of dissatisfaction and urging me to recommend the book over its televised counterpart.

The adaptation initially drew me in with its vivid portrayal of Brisbane's underworld, the complex characters, and the poignant themes of resilience and hope amidst adversity. The casting was impeccable, with each actor breathing life into Dalton's multifaceted characters, especially the young protagonists Eli and August. Their chemistry and portrayal of the intricate bond between brothers were a highlight of the series, grounding the narrative in genuine emotion.

However, as the series reached its climax, it became evident that the writers had taken liberties with the source material, deviating from the novel's carefully crafted resolution. The ending felt rushed and lacked the depth and emotional resonance that made the book so captivating. Critical plot points were glossed over, character arcs left unresolved, and the thematic exploration felt truncated.

Without delving into spoilers, I found the conclusion of the Netflix series to be a disservice to the intricate storytelling and profound themes of the original work. It failed to capture the essence of Dalton's prose, sacrificing depth for brevity and sacrificing nuance for spectacle. While adaptations often necessitate changes, the departure from the novel's poignant and satisfying resolution left me feeling unsatisfied and longing for the richness of the source material.

In light of these shortcomings, I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing "Boy Swallows Universe" in its original form: Trent Dalton's masterful novel. The book offers a richer, more immersive journey into the lives of its characters, allowing readers to savor the beauty of Dalton's prose and the depth of his storytelling. While the Netflix series may serve as a visual companion to the novel, it ultimately pales in comparison to the emotional resonance and narrative complexity of the source material.

In conclusion, while the Netflix adaptation of "Boy Swallows Universe" has its merits, particularly in its performances and visual aesthetics, its disappointing ending detracts from the overall experience. For those seeking a truly immersive and emotionally resonant journey, I urge you to turn to the pages of Trent Dalton's novel, where the true magic of "Boy Swallows Universe" awaits.

The show had many excellent reviews and a lot of hype around it so I said I would give it a go. The first couple of episodes are not bad and decent entertainment, with a storyline and good characters but every episode gets a little worse than the one before and by the end the only reason to watch is that you have already wasted a number of hours on it. It appears that the director may have had a breakdown during filming or something as episode one vs episode 7 is night and day and not in a good way. It is so disjointed and jumpy and just leaves you frustrated thinking they made a mess of that one.

I'm a huge fan of Trent Dalton's books, so was very excited to learn that Boy Swallows Universe was made into a Netflix series. It's a big story with lots of twists and turns, so to adapt this to the screen could have been tricky. But it worked and the result is excellent.

Such a stellar cast! The performances of young Eli (Felix Cameron) and his brother Gus (Lee Tiger Halley) are brilliant. Both those young men deserve the highest of praise. Simon Baker as their dad...wow! Took me ages to realise who it was! Bryan Brown was perfect as Slim. Loved his gritty performance.

For any Trent Dalton fans, keep an eye out for his cameo appearance!

They boys who play Eli and Gus are outstanding and make this show. Supporting cast is very good. The first half is spectacular. It is quite long and could probably have been a little shorter but would not have been the same intensity if it was a movie length as it's about the characters but for those saying the story is strange, unusual it's based on a novel and is a true adaptation from what I can remember of the novel. It's very cleverly done and that's the whole point using fantasy and imagination to escape trauma in a child's life. It's a special talent to be able to write something like this and pull it off.