A lost father, a mute brother, a recovering addict mum, a heroin dealer for a stepfather, and a notorious criminal for a babysitter. Eli Bell is just trying to follow his heart and understand what it means to become a good man, but fate keeps throwing obstacles in his way.
Based on Brisbane author Trent Dalton‘s best-selling novel, Boy Swallows Universe is set to be your next binge-worthy addiction as the “intimately extravagant” series (you can read our review here) arrives on Netflix this week.
Pulling out all the stops for 2024’s first major premiere event, the stars were out in full force in the sunshine state, as Brisbane played host to author Dalton, producers Troy Lum and Andrew Mason, and cast members Simon Baker, Phoebe Tonkin, Felix Cameron, Lee Tiger Halley, Bryan Brown and Travis Fimmel to celebrate.
Our Peter Gray was at the ready, chatting with the cast and creators about the move from page to screen, the fearlessness needed to perform such emotionally demanding roles, and the beauty of the Australian film industry.
Phoebe, before we get to Boys Swallows Universe, I have to just quickly shout out your appearance in Babylon. Safe to say you made an impression in one of the more memorable sequences. You were so great, and I really hope the movie finds the audience it so deserved.
Phoebe Tonkin: Oh, thank you. I love that movie. Love Margot (Robbie). Love Damien (Chazelle). Love the whole thing.
There’s a scene of Frankie’s early one where she’s locked in a part of the house as the family help her deal with her addiction. You were so amazing in that scene. Was Frankie the kind of character that sat with you after you finished filming?
Phoebe Tonkin: Yes, but in a very positive way. I was so lucky to have the book, and, of course, Trent (Dalton, author) was an incredible supporter of the show being made, and of all of us. I found so much to admire about Frankie. I know that she’s loosely based on Trent’s mother, so I came away from this project with so much positivity and hope. It was a true blessing. I came out of this so inspired.
And because she is a character based loosely on Trent’s mother, do you feel a sense of pressure at all in interpreting that?
Phoebe Tonkin: He came on set a lot. Like, I think it was my first day of filming, and it must’ve been quite surreal for him…I think just to see (the character) of Eli in the school uniform that was based on Trent’s school uniform, I think that must’ve been surreal. But we were really lucky. He was so enthusiastic and so supportive. A true dream.
Had you read the book prior?
Phoebe Tonkin: Yes, and then I re-read it. And I would always have it with me on set. I always had it in my trailer so I could go back and check. It was so detailed, that book, so it was amazing to read the script and then delve deeper into those pages where he had really scored those scenes.
We see that magical element to the show with the “fortune teller” aspect of Gus. If you had the ability to tell your younger self something, or to know what would be happening to “future Phoebe”, what would that be?
Phoebe Tonkin: I don’t know if I’d want to know anything. I think I would just say, “Be patient. Everything will work out the way it’s meant to work out.”
Published January 11, 2024
by Peter Grey
Excerpt from Source