Trent Dalton’s Boy Swallows Universe, an evocative novel filled with heartbreaks, humour, and at times shocking violence, was first published in 2018.
Six years later, his story about a traumatised boy who embarks on an ordeal-laced journey to bring his broken family back together is now one of this year’s most talked-about shows.
The seven-episode series follows a young boy named Eli, whose resolve to save his mum got him exposed to the violence of Brisbane’s underworld.
If you’re curious about the new coming-of-age story that’s now taking streaming by storm, here’s how you can watch every episode on demand.
What’s in this Guide?
Boy Swallows Universe release date
The smash-hit Australian series debuted here and globally on Thursday, 11 January 2024.
You can instantly access the show with your Netflix subscription if you haven’t already.
| TV series | Release Date | Streaming Service |
|---|---|---|
| Boy Swallows Universe | Thur, 11 Jan 2024 | Netflix |
Boy Swallows Universe plot and cast
Set in 1980s Brisbane, Eli Bell (Felix Cameron) is a 13-year-old boy whose tender years are mired by his complicated life – an absent father, a mute brother who can potentially see the future, a heroin dealer stepfather, and a recovering addict mother.
As if school bullies aren’t enough difficulties for a boy his age, Eli has to grow up a little bit faster in order to deal with his turbulent family life. Despite what’s easily perceived as harrowing complexities and hurdles, Eli is loved by his family and strives to follow his heart because in the end, he just wants to be a good man.
So when his stepdad Lyle gets in big trouble and his mum Frances’ (Phoebe Tonkin) life is put in danger, Eli fearlessly navigates Brisbane’s underworld to bring his family back. But the real journey begins when a red, hidden telephone in his house starts to ring, initiating a communication with a mystery voice on the other line.
The cast of Boy Swallows Universe consists of the talented Felix Cameron as Eli Bell (Zac Burgess plays his 17-year-old counterpart and Auden Ryan as the six-year-old Eli), Lee Tiger Halley as Gus Bell, Eli’s brother, Travis Fimmel as Lyle Orlik, Gus and Eli’s stepfather, Simon Baker as Robert Bell, Gus and Eli’s father, and Phoebe Tonkin as the boys’ mother, Frances Bell.
Brilliantly adapting the story so it stays true to the source material, all while retaining both its violence and humour is John Collee (Hotel Mumbai). The seven-episode series was directed by Bharat Nalluri, Jocelyn Moorhouse, and Kim Mordaunt.
Over a week after its streaming release, the series reaches #5 in Netflix’s global ‘Top 10 TV Shows’ and #2 in Australia’s ‘Top 10’.
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Where to watch Boy Swallows Universe?
Two years after Netflix commissioned the series, the TV adaptation consisting of seven episodes finally premiered on streaming Thursday, 11 January 2024.
Netflix has three plans: Standard with Ads ($6.99), Standard ($16.99), and Premium ($22.99). The Standard with Ads allows two simultaneous streams in HD, while the ad-free Standard plan offers the additional feature of downloading shows and movies online for offline viewing and one extra member.
The Premium plan can accommodate up to 4 simultaneous streams, two extra members, plus 4K and HDR streaming on selected content.
Find out what to watch on Netflix here or explore more shows using the streaming search bar below.
Boy Swallows Universe trailer
Check out the trailer of the trending Aussie series right here.
