'Boy Swallows Universe' | date, plot, cast and is the Australian Netflix show worth watching

The series is based on the eponymous book by Trent Dalton and is semi-autobiographical
UPDATED JAN 4, 2024
Netflix's new show 'Boy Swallows Universe'
Netflix's new show 'Boy Swallows Universe'

Series name: Boy Swallows Universe

Platform: Netflix

Country of origin: Australia

Date of Release: January 11, 2024

Genre: Thriller/Family Drama

Number of episodes: 8

What is the plot of 'Boy Swallows Universe'?

'Boy Swallows Universe' is set in 1980s Brisbane and centers around a young boy and his 'selectively mute' brother who set off on a journey into the mob underworld to save their mother. Young Felix Cameron looks outstanding as Eli Bell. (Check out our list of top TV series/shows to watch in Jan 2024)

'Boy Swallows Universe' cast

Lee Tiger Halley

Lee's first major role was as Big Mike in the TV series 'The Heights', but it was in his role as Gonzo in the outstanding 'Crazy Fun Park' that he really made an impression. Lee made his acting debut in the award-winning short 'Featherweight'.

Lee Tiger Halley in a still from 'Boy Swallows Universe'
Lee Tiger Halley in a still from Netflix's 'Boy Swallows Universe'

Christopher James Baker

The name might not ring a bell, but that face and talent certainly should. Christopher has been on our screens for yonks: He played alongside Vince Vaughan in Season 2 of 'True Detective', he played Malachi in 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D', he was Theo Bennet in the massively underrated Jennifer Lopez-Ray Liotta series 'Shades of Blue', he was Brainwave in 'Stargirl', not to mention Boyd Langmore in 'Ozark'. 'BSU' is another notch in an already impressive belt. You can see him next in the upcoming 'Unit 234' alongside Jack Huston and Don Johnson.

Christopher James Baker seen here in a still from the series 'Eden'
Christopher James Baker seen here in a still from the series 'Eden'

Phoebe Tonkin

Sydney-born Tonkin's breakout role was as the 'mermaid' Cleo Sertori in the hit TV series 'H2O: Just Add Water', which ran from 2006 to 2010. But the role that brought her global recognition was as Hayley Marshall in the vampire hit 'The Originals'. She also starred opposite Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie in 'Babylon'. You can see her next in the much-anticipated movie 'Kid Snow'.

Phoebe Tonkin at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures 3rd Annual Gala on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Academy Museum of Motion Pictures )
Phoebe Tonkin at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures 3rd Annual Gala on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Academy Museum of Motion Pictures )

Is 'Boy Swallows Universe' a true story?

Yes, it sort of is. The series is based on the eponymous book by Trent Dalton and is semi-autobiographical. Dalton's early life closely mirrors that of the protagonist in the series. There is also a play based on the book.  

Is 'Boy Swallows Universe' worth watching?

It absolutely is. It has a great cast and a gritty story steeped in reality, what more could you ask for!  

MEAWW Watch ranking

4 out of 5

'Boy Swallows Universe' trailer



 

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