First look at new film How To Make Gravy based on iconic Aussie song

Paul Kelly’s legendary Christmas anthem has now been made into a movie – and fans can now have a first look with the release of its official trailer.

Christine Estera

@ChristineEstera

less than 2 min read

October 9, 2024 - 9:00AM

Paul Kelly’s legendary Christmas anthem has been made into a movie – and fans have now been given a first look at the adaptation with the release of its official trailer.

How To Make Gravy will be the first ever original feature film released by local streaming platform BINGE and is based on the Aussie musician’s much-loved song of the same name.

Just like the song, released in 1996, the film tells the story of a newly imprisoned man named Joe (played by Daniel Henshall), who writes a letter home to his family as they prepare to celebrate their first Christmas without him.

How To Make Gravy will be released on December 1. Picture: BINGE / Jasin Boland

French actress Agathe Rousselle plays Joe’s wife Rita, who tries to keep it together for their three children while Joe navigates harsh prison life with the help of veteran lifer Noel, played by award-winning actor Hugo Weaving.

Joe is played by Daniel Henshall and his son Angus is played by Jonah Wren Phillips. Picture: BINGE / Jasin Boland

French actress Agathe Rousselle makes her English-language debut as Joe’s wife Rita. Picture: BINGE / Jasin Boland

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

The film, which premieres on BINGE on December 1, also stars Brenton Thwaites as Joe’s brother Dan, Kate Mulvany as his sister Stella, and rising star Jonah Wren Phillips as Joe’s son Angus.

The film is based on Paul Kelly’s classic anthem How To Make Gravy. Picture: Jack Pitt

Meg Washington and Nick Waterman are the creative team behind the film. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Australian

“How to Make Gravy is a meditation on humanity, love and connection,” says producer and director Nick Waterman. “It’s a celebration of family, songlines, self-respect, and seizing the present moment to create inner change, no matter how small.”

ARIA award-winning musician Meg Washington, who produced and adapted the screenplay alongside with Waterman, adds: “In every way, music is the heart, soul, and bones of this film. 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.”