Atypical shows are not as much in fashion as flashy names in the market. What do you reckon? Good content doesn’t need a head start via alluring titles.
All that anything needs is substance in the storyline. I reckon that’s the right way.
Okay, now you know I am going to talk about something Australian today.
Boy Swallows Universe is the latest Netflix series from Down Under. The traditional Aussie way of speaking includes the usage of ‘reckon’ a lot, in case you were wondering.
Based on Trent Dalton’s novel of the same name, the show has seven episodes that run for almost 7 hours.
Boy Swallows Universe Synopsis
Caught in the loop for his stepdad’s side business, a young kid and his brother struggle their way up to get together with their mom. Meanwhile, one of them has the power to see the future.
Directed by Bharat Nalluri, Jocelyn Moorhouse, and Kim Mordaunt, the series stars Travis Fimmel (Lyle), Phoebe Tonkin (Frankie), Simon Baker (Robert), Felix Cameron (Young Eli), Lee Tiger Halley (Gus), Zac Burgess (Older Eli), Bryan Brown (Slim), Sophie Wilde (Caitlyn), Anthony LaPaglia (Tytus Broz), Christopher James Baker (Ivan), Deborah Mailman, Adam Briggs, and others.
What Works for Boy Swallows Universe?
The concept is quite powerful even though not as unique as the name suggests. It puts a family drama at the forefront and laces the idea with delightfully mesmerizing scenes.
After tragic early years, Eli and his family slowly get back to normalcy. But soon, revelations begin to unfurl and broken promises make a dent in their future plans.
It all comes down to the little kid, Eli, to salvage whatever’s left of their shattered home. Interestingly, his brother has a hidden ability to sneak into the future.
To some, this might sound like a crime drama, to others, it would appear as a family show, while some might see the outline as a Sci-fi phenomenon.
Well, even the creators are open to subjective interpretations. Boy Swallows Universe boasts a sparkling tale that runs engagingly well with a bustling screenplay.
The narrative is beautiful, courtesy of the childish innocence of the lead character. You will be invested in the story and like his mischievous endeavors.
The drama gradually acquires depth, suspense, and darkness, eschewing reliance on initial plot devices.
Emotions are neither fragile nor obscurely stitched; rather, they find a poignant place in the viewer’s mind at just the right moments.
The visual appeal of ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ stands out as its brightest feature, complemented by expectedly thoughtful and enjoyable dialogues rooted in the source material.
The humor, while not overtly comical, is gently amusing. The series successfully maintains viewer engagement, steering clear of pacing issues and endearingly navigating its narrative.
Furthermore, the music, for the most part, seamlessly intertwines with the plot, though some songs would have benefited from a more emotionally resonant visual representation.
How are the Performances?
Travis Fimmel as Lyle makes you vouch for him with his witty dialogue delivery. His spontaneous approach to acting brings authenticity to Lyle’s character upbringing.
It is actually a flawless execution by one of the finest actors in Australia. I reckon he did a lot of personal homework before stepping into the shoes of someone like Lyle.
Phoebe Tonkin plays Frankie in Boy Swallows Universe. She is another brilliant performer though I really wish her character had a more resolute presence on paper.
Tonkin’s motherly act is brilliance personified. Her act charms you even more when she exposes the fragile side of things.
Simon Baker’s gentle and unassuming portrayal of Robert will win the hearts of people. He has done an amazing job while transforming along the storyline.
The affability in his mien, tenderness in his approach, and Simon’s ability to express surreptitious emotions blend amazingly with Boy Swallows Universe.
Felix Cameron is undoubtedly the star of the show. He plays the younger version of Eli and trust me, the actor forces you to continue watching just for his act if not for anything else.
The kindness he endorses throughout the series is spellbinding. His grit, determination, and unrelenting demeanor catch your attention from the very first frame.
Lee Tiger Halley is Gus in Boy Swallows Universe. He has a subdued role that fills the screen with warmth.
Having someone like him in the narrative adds a lot of hope to the story and assures of inner strength within the tale.
You never see him worried or tensed; there is a perennial smile on his face that never fades away.
Zac Burgess turns the tables with Older Eli. He had a tough nut to crack the younger version having already found a place in the audience’s heart.
Still, Burgess nurtures a new aura and gradually strikes gold. He doesn’t get the time to settle in and has to play a highly impressive hand to even get noticed.
Sophie Wilde as Caitlyn once again establishes herself as a force to reckon with. She has been astounding in some recent shows like Everything Now and You Don’t Know Me.
In Boy Swallows Universe, she appears late after initial visuals. Her convincing performance betters the series thereon.
Christopher James Baker’s villainous countenance does justify the part of Ivan Kroll assigned to him. He fiercely stuns viewers with an impeccable screen presence.
What Doesn’t Work for Boy Swallows Universe?
There are a few areas that needed more attention starting with Eli’s age leap. In a short span of four years, the makers completely change his outer appearance.
From a rug rat, he becomes someone who looks older than his elder brother. And the change is so striking that you cannot ignore it at all.
It also impacts the tempo of the series, to some extent, with the latter half of the show feeling longer and slower, especially the seventh episode.
Also, using Gus’ abilities effectively may have been the right choice. On the flip side, this is what makes the series unique.
Stream or Skip?
The Australian show is enjoyable and it does keep you engaged. It is just the leap I am disappointed with. Overall, Boy Swallows Universe is watchable.