The Netflix adaptation of Trent Dalton’s “Boy Swallows Universe” has shot to popularity already achieving the highest viewership for an Australian-made show, garnering 7.6 million complete series views within its initial two weeks on the global platform.

Set in 1980s Brisbane, the narrative follows Eli Bell, a clever boy from a working-class background navigating a challenging upbringing with a heroin-dealer stepfather, a mute brother, a drug-addicted mother, and a notorious criminal as a father figure. It’s a dark, edge of your seat story inspired by writer Trent Dalton’s very own life.

During an interview with Hot Tomato’s Galey & Emily Jade, author Trent Dalton explains how his family reacted to watching the series.

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