Common Sense Media Review
By Polly Conway
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tragicomic coming-of-age series has lots of violence, drugs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Boy Swallows Universe
What's the Story?
Eli Bell (Felix Cameron) is a smart kid with a wild family. With a kind but too-trusting mum who's a former addict, and a stepdad Eli is convinced is dealing drugs again, there's lots for him to worry about. Even his penpal is in prison, and his babysitter's a convicted murderer. The only safe person in his life is his brother Gus (Lee Tiger Halley), who has selective mutism and spells words out with his finger (the audience sees this as smoky letters). When a mysterious red telephone starts taking Eli's calls, things get even wilder.
Is It Any Good?
This series features exceptional acting by the young actors, and Fimmel also shines as the dirtbag stepdad who can't stay out of trouble. Boy Swallows Universe does feature some cliches and stereotypes, like the overly kind, questioning school counselor, and a threatening Vietnamese drug kingpin. But frequently, the series goes deeper and presents strong portrayals of an Australian family whose underworld connections aren't the most interesting thing about them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about challenging home situations. Who supports Eli when his parents aren't available?
Do you think this series contains stereotypes or well-drawn characters? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 11, 2024
- Cast : Travis Fimmel , Lee Tiger Halley , Phoebe Tonkin
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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