El chico que se comió el universo

"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.

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!

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.

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.

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...