Netflix fans ‘transfixed’ by ‘phenomenal’ new drama based on heart-breaking true story – gushing ‘it’s 10 out of 10!’

NETFLIX fans have been urging others to watch the streamer's latest "10/10" drama, based on a tragic true story.

The limited seven-part series titled Boy Swallows Universe has gripped viewers' hearts since it was released on January 11.

The show, currently sitting at number five on Netflix's Top 10 TV Programmes, is set in 1985 in Brisbane, Australia.

The series, inspired by author and journalist Trent Dalton's childhood, is an adaptation of his bestselling novel of the same name. 

The show follows Eli Bell, played by Felix Cameron, a middle schooler and his older brother, Gus, depicted by Tiger Halley, who reside in a working-class neighbourhood with their drug-addict mum, Frankie, (Phoebe Tonkin), and their stepdad, Lyle, (Travis Fimmel).

Eli, who is being mentored by a warmhearted convicted felon, played by Frances Brown, and a pen pal serving jail time portrayed by Adam Briggs, tries to navigate through life with school, the threat of bullies, and his stepdad. 

Throughout the series, the young man ends up in trouble and gets involved with the criminal underbelly of his town while trying to unravel what his mysterious stepfather is up to. 

The synopsis for Boy Swallows Universe reads: “A young boy growing up in the suburbs of 1980s Brisbane faces the harsh realities of life - and the looming dangers that threaten his family.”

Already, the series has a solid 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8/10 rating on IMDb, and fans have raved online that the show was "Phenomenal!!!! And what a perfect ending!!!!! I’m in love!!!!"

Taking to X(Twitter), one user wrote: "Boy Swallows Universe is SO DAMN GOOD.

"One of the best shows this country has produced. I’m finding it extremely hard not to swallow it in one gulp.

"Gonna take it one day at a time. The lead fella is beyond brilliant.

"Congrats to everyone involved. 5 star SUBLIME."

A second commented: "I felt a range of emotions. Love, pride, fear, laughter and tears, as I could relate to some of it. 10 out of 10.

"Congrats to the writer, producer and fabulous cast!"

Another raved: "I power-watched Boy Swallows Universe on Netflix last night after becoming transfixed.

"It has a fantastic storyline and keeps you on the brink of tears and in stitches laughing.

"The actors shine, but Felix Cameron as young Eli Bell is phenomenal. That kid is going places."

Almost everyone who watched the show echoed the comment and praised the young actor Cameron’s acting ability, which showcased a fantastic range of emotions and sincerity.

One viewer typed: “Boy Swallows Universe, in 1980s Brisbane, a precocious boy and his selectively mute brother embark on a suburban odyssey of love, redemption and retribution after their family is torn apart by a drug lord.

“I can only recommend you.”

A second followed: "Felix Cameron in #BoySwallowsUniverse needs to be talked about CONSTANTLY. This is an absolutely remarkable breakout performance.

"The 'I’ve got a whole lot of tears inside of me' scene in episode 1 just broke me. Absolutely broke me."

Another added: “Boy Swallows Universe. Netflix. Just watched episode one. The wee guy in it is outstanding. Looking very promising. Here endeth my review.”

Cameron, 14, kicked off his budding acting career starring in 2020 film Penguin Bloom, a gut-wrenching yet heart-warming movie as Rueben, the son of The Walking Dead's Andrew Lincoln and Naomi Watts.

It tells the tale of how a family overcome all odds after Naomi's character becomes paralysed after a fall.

Boy Swallows Universe is available to watch on Netflix now.