The downside is life is short and has to end. The upside is it comes with bread, wine and books!
I have not read the book, Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton, so I can’t tell you how closely this series follows the original story. However, I was aware of the stage adaptation. What I can tell you is this Aussie Netflix series is very well-made and that young Eli, played by newcomer Felix Cameron, is an extremely talented actor. (Eli is played by Zac Burgess later in the production, and also shines as the same character, four years older. đź‘Ť) Another great actor in the cast is Aussie acting legend, Bryan Brown. He is effective in the role of Slim, an ex-criminal with a heart of gold. Simon Baker (who is in every Australian film these days) as Eli’s hard-drinking, book-loving dad is cast against type and is also impressive. But ex-Aussie model Travis Fimmel steals the show from under the noses of the other adult actors as Eli’s lovable drug-dealing stepdad. His early scenes with Eli are hilarious, sometimes frightening, but full of heart.
Based on the author’s life with his dysfunctional family in Brisbane in the 80s, you’ll need to figure out for yourself how much is true and how much is completely made up. Or as Aussies say, “A bloody good yarn.” Violent and gory at times, Eli losing his finger at one point is particularly gruesome, and the scenes of drug addiction and domestic violence involving Eli’s mother are harrowing. But don’t let that put you off watching this series. Boy Swallows Universe with its killer 80s soundtrack, is an excellent seven-part series that will keep you engaged until the closing credits roll. The end set piece I found particularly suspenseful, playing out in the clock tower of Brisbane Town Hall, which never looked so good. The climax is reminiscent of the final minutes of Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo and The Man Who Knew Too Much. I won’t say anything more. I won’t spoil the ending if you haven’t watched the entire series yet.
Boy Swallows Universe is the Netflix series that proves once and for all that crime doesn’t pay and that in the end, all you need is family and a good book. PS. Remember that even in prison, love conquers all.
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