'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



 

RELATED TOPICS NETFLIX NEWS

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Following the midseason finale cliffhanger, 'Tracker' Season 3 is all set to make a comeback on March 1
20 minutes ago
At the time of writing, there is no official confirmation on 'Steal' Season 2 from Prime Video
13 hours ago
'Fallout' Season 2 Episode 6 completely changes the meaning of ‘bottle caps’ in way we could've never imagined
16 hours ago
First-look images from ‘Invincible’ Season 4 tease brutal new villains, familiar heroes, and a March 2026 return that raises the stakes fast.
18 hours ago
A shocking mid-episode transformation rewrites 'The Beauty', quietly replacing Rebecca Hall, and changing the series' direction almost instantly
20 hours ago
Set to premiere on January 26, 'American Idol' will be hosted by Ryan Seacrest, along with judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie
20 hours ago
The 'One Chicago' trio of shows previously released two crossover events back in 2019 and 2025. The next crossover episode will take place in March.
21 hours ago
The upcoming Season 3 of 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' is based on the third Rick Riordan novel, 'The Titan's Curse.'
22 hours ago
The prequel to the 'Legally Blonde' movies, 'Elle', stars Lexi Minetree, Gabrielle Policano, Chandler Kinney, and Zac Looker in key roles
23 hours ago
Season 2 finale ended with a confirmation that season 3 will return later this year
1 day ago