Boy Swallows Universe

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.