11 January 2024 , 11:42
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Netflix looks to have another smash hit on its hands, this time in the form of a gripping coming-of-age drama from Down Under.
Boy Swallows Universe focuses on a young boy Eli (Felix Cameron), whose endearing optimism is severely tested by the harsh realities of life.
The gripping seven-parter, set in 1980s Brisbane and adapted from Trent Dalton's 2018 best seller, follows the working class youngster and his family as they grapple with addiction, drug dealing and assorted teen problems.
Treading a fine line between heartbreak and happiness, Boy Swallows Universe kicks off with henchmen forcibly grabbing the boyfriend of Eli's mum (Lyle) and tossing him into the boot of a car - a startling opener oddly juxtaposed by Eli's wholesome narration: "Our mom truly is the best in the world". And it's this startling blend of trying to decode the often ugly adult world through the eyes of a child that lends Boy Swallows Universe a real edge.
Rather than following a conventional plot, the storyline unfolds more as a scattered collection of vignettes. It encompasses Eli's involvement in Lyle's drug dealing, interactions with various underworld figures, coping with school bullies, and the exchange of letters with a jailed pen pal. Thrillingly, there are recurring visions of Eli and Gus soaring through space in a car. Initially presented as dreams, these sequences are intriguingly redefined, transitioning into memories or flashbacks.
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Released today (January 11), it's too early to say what consensus - if any - critics make of the show, but early reports are hugely positive. The Guardian described Boy Swallows Universe as 'impressive' and awarded it four stars, while Slant Magazine hailed it as both 'charming and hair-raising'.
'One of the most beautiful books I have ever read'
The original book attracted heaps of praise when it was released.
Reader Carole Nelson posted online: "Never have I ever rallied behind a protagonist as much as I did Eli Bell. This book is both laugh out loud funny and heart wrenchingly poignant. This is a somewhat complex novel whose parts assemble beautifully into one heck of a story. Everything ties together without losing depth and the gist of the story. Characters are well developed and easily identifiable. Loved this book!"
Maggie Baker said: "The best book I've read in recent decades by far. There is so much wisdom in this novel. There's so much pain, triumph, and intrigue delicately told in both a raw and sensitive format. I couldn't put it down. I fear I read it too quickly. Initially, I read a few pages and thought ... nah ... not my cup of tea. But my personal golden rule is: give it 50-100 pages and then make your decision. Long before that I can assure you."
Ollie Grinners: "Just wow. What a unique experience. Almost never have felt so invested in a story in any medium, film and TV included. I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning reading, something I haven't done in years. It is probably my favourite book. Period."
Lynda Stoner: "This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read, and I am a bookaholic. I love Trent's words, his imagination, his astonishing ability to create a world that I entered into and stayed with long after the last page. I have also bought this book for friends and family."
*Boy Swallows Universe is available to stream on Netflix now