REVIEW: Netflix’s Boy Swallows Universe is a dazzling adaptation of Trent Dalton’s best-selling novel
With stellar performances, striking visuals and a faithful narrative, the Netflix adaptation of Trent Dalton’s best-selling novel lives up to all expectations.
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When the task fell upon me to review Netflix’s adaptation of Trent Dalton’s ‘Boy Swallows Universe,’ I felt the weight of a thousand book lovers’ expectations on my shoulders.
But, as I settled in to watch this Brisbane-based saga unfold, my nerves were quickly replaced by a sense of awe and excitement.
Right from the opening shot of a suburban home in the outskirts of Darra, I was hooked.
It felt like peeking into a time capsule of Brisbane in 1985, and for many locals, this visual treat will hit close to home.
We’re swiftly introduced to 12-year-old Eli Bell, played by the remarkably talented Felix Cameron, whose performance as the young protagonist is the perfect blend of innocence, resilience, and complexity that is both captivating and deeply moving.
Alongside Eli, characters like his mute brother August (Lee Halley), drug-addicted mother Frances (Phoebe Tonkin), and heroin-dealing stepfather Lyle Orlik (Travis Fimmel) form a family unit that is as dysfunctional as it is captivating.
The adaptation shines in its true-to-life portrayal of the novel’s beloved characters and settings.
Like the novel, the show is set against a backdrop of familial drama, crime, and societal struggles, all through the eyes of a pre-teen and his family.
As someone who has read the novel, I can attest that the series does not disappoint. It captures the essence of Eli Bell’s story, making it accessible and enjoyable whether you’re familiar with the book or not. The series is a feast for the senses, blending action, emotion, and a touch of Brisbane’s unique charm.
For those of us who have read the book, the series feels like a familiar journey, yet it surprises with its depth and interpretation.
As I watched, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in how wonderfully local and authentic the show feels.
From City Hall in King George Square to the Story Bridge, the series pays homage to Brisbane’s landmarks and history.
The series does not shy away from the darker themes of the book, such as drug addiction and violence, yet it balances this with themes of hope, optimism, and the resilience of the human spirit.
One of the show’s strengths is its ability to maintain the novel’s heart and soul. This is not merely a visual representation of Dalton’s work; it’s an expansion, a deeper exploration that feels incredibly authentic.
It’s not often that an author like Trent Dalton says a screen adaptation surpasses his imagination, but this series does just that. It’s a testament to the creative team’s dedication to staying true to the novel’s true essence while bringing its characters and settings to life in a vivid, cinematic way.
The series also stays true to the novel’s first-person narration, with Eli’s’ dream sequences being particularly standout, blending surrealism with the stark reality of their lives.
The series also masterfully mixes humour, drama, and action, notably in a scene where Eli daringly breaks into Boggo Road jail to see his incarcerated mum on Christmas Day, or when the brothers get stuck in the bottom of a drop toilet, a blend of high stakes, heart and humour.
Simon Baker, in a striking departure from his usual roles, morphs into Robert Bell, an initially unlikeable, pot-bellied drunkard father – a transformation that adds a raw, gritty layer to the show’s exploration of flawed characters.
The rest of the cast undergoes remarkable transformations too.
Tonkin as Frances Bell is particularly noteworthy, sporting chunky blonde highlights and makeup that reflects her character’s tumultuous life.
Fimmel’s iconic Aussie mullet completes his transformation into a character that feels authentically ’80s Brisbane.
The series is peppered with delightful nods to The Courier-Mail, a touch that I couldn’t help but chuckle at.
These Easter eggs not only added a humorous touch but also ground the story in a familiar, authentic context.
I couldn’t help but laugh at the portrayal of Brian Robertson, the cuss-loving editor from the 1980s. Let’s just say, journalism has come a long way since then.
Releasing on January 11, 2024, Boy Swallows Universe is not just an adaptation; it’s a heartfelt tribute to Dalton’s novel, a celebration of storytelling and a vivid journey through the chaos and beauty of growing up. For both fans and newcomers, this Netflix series is an absolute must-watch.
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