Adapting award-winning novels into accurate movies and TV shows is infamously difficult to execute. With adapted shows as disappointing as “Game of Thrones” and “Little Fires Everywhere,” the expectations of readers have universally declined. However, more recent adaptations, including “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” “You,” and “All the Light We Cannot See” have received incredibly positive reviews and feedback from the media. The recently released “Boy Swallows Universe” falls under the recent trend, earning the praise and recognition it deserves.
“Boy Swallows Universe” is a novel, published in 2018, written by Australian author Trent Dalton, inspired by his childhood. Directed by Bharat Nalluri, Kim Mordaunt and Jocelyn Moorhouse, the adaptation is semi-autobiographical. The series revolves around 13-year-old Eli Bell, played by Felix Cameron, along with his 15-year-old brother Gus Bell, played by Lee Halle. Eli, the youngest of two, symbolizes author Dalton.
The casting in “Boy Swallows Universe” is like no other. The selling point of watching the TV series is beloved Australian actress, Phoebe Tonkin, playing Eli and Gus’s mom, Frances Bell. Tonkin is an actress recognized globally, best known for playing Cleo Sertori in “H2O: Just Add Water,” Fiona Maxwell in “Tomorrow,” and Hayley Marshall in “The Vampire Diaries.” Other stars cast in the series include Travis Fimmel, Simon Baker, Bryan Brown and Sophie Wilde, all of whom perfectly resemble their characters.
Moreover, the acting in the series is phenomenal, especially considering the range of characters within it. The show, similar to the novel, features a gallery of hefty topics like domestic violence, substance abuse and gangs; however, the actors portray them wonderfully. At approximately 12 years old when filming, Cameron displayed an incredible sense of maturity while acting. From getting his finger chopped off to weaning his mom off of substances, Cameron displayed incredible acting that perfectly represents Eli from the novel.
The plot of the show can only be described as thrilling, suspenseful and action-packed. In an attempt to avoid spoilers, however, a majority of the plot will be spared. All a potential viewer needs to know before watching “Boy Swallows Universe” is that the series is addicting, fascinating and extremely emotional.
The writers, producers and directors of the television series have perfectly captured Dalton’s original aspects of creativity and imagination whilst writing the novel, which is incredibly hard to do. Although recent TV adaptations have surprised audiences with the representation of the novel, “Boy Swallows Universe” easily surpasses the others. Even though a majority of the plot has not been revealed, the casting, acting and positive feedback from the media should persuade viewers to watch the series.
