‘A celebration of family, songlines, self-respect’: Paul Kelly’s Christmas classic comes to life on screen

Paul Kelly’s 1996 song How To Make Gravy has gradually become a Christmas-time staple. This December, fans will see it come to life thanks to BINGE. See the film’s trailer here.

It has taken nearly 30 years but Paul Kelly’s Christmas classic, How To Make Gravy, is finally coming to life on screen and the Aussie muso is fully behind it.

Fans of the song have been treated to a first look at the much anticipated BINGE original feature film that will premiere on December 1.

“It’s a thrill to see these figments of air, names I’ve rolled in my mouth for years, come to life as real, walking, talking people,” Kelly told Confidential.

“I wrote How To Make Gravy nearly 30 years ago and it’s continued to surprise me ever since. A Christmas song without a chorus, from the point of view of someone in prison, it has gradually become popular over time.”

The BINGE film, How To Make Gravy, is based on the Paul Kelly song. Picture: BINGE / Jasin Boland

The film has been a long-time coming with director Nick Waterman and award-winning singer songwriter Megan Washington first approaching Kelly about the project five years ago.

“There was already quite a cast of characters and a number of possible storylines.” he said.

“The film is a true ensemble piece.”

Actress Agathe Rousselle plays Rita in the film. Picture: BINGE / Jasin Boland

How To Make Gravy was released as a song in November 1996 and tells of a newly-imprisoned man spending his first Christmas in jail away from his family.

Over the years, it has become an Australian festive classic.

The same character is referenced in Kelly’s songs, To Her Door and Love Never Runs On Time.

Actor Hugo Weaving who plays Noel. Picture: BINGE / Jasin Boland

Actor Daniel Henshall brings the character, Joe, to life on screen while Brenton Thwaites plays his brother, Dan, Kate Mulvany is sister Stella and Damon Herriman her husband, Roger.

“In every way, music is the heart, soul, and bones of this film,” Washington said.

“Music is powerful, healing, and enduring, as the song’s 30 year legacy confirms, and it has been a creative privilege to bring this beloved Australian Christmas carol to life.”

French actor Agathe Rousselle plays Joe’s wife, Rita, while Jonah Wren Phillips is their son, Angus, and Rose Statham and Izzy Westlake as twin daughters Frank and Dolly.

Dan’s daughter, Mary, is played by Eloise Rothfield and Eugene Gilfedder and Kym Gyngell are Gary and Murray.

An exclusive first look at BINGE film, How To Make Gravy, based on the Paul Kelly song., BINGE / Jasin Boland

Two new characters have been added that aren’t referenced in the song, being Hugo Weaving and Kieran Darcy-Smith as prisoners Noel and Red respectively.

“How to Make Gravy is a meditation on humanity, love and connection,” Waterman said.

“It’s a celebration of family, songlines, self-respect, and seizing the present moment to create inner change, no matter how small.”

Originally published as ‘A celebration of family, songlines, self-respect’: Paul Kelly’s Christmas classic comes to life on screen