As soon as the harmonica of Paul Kelly's 1987 classic "Dumb Things" blares through the teaser for Netflix's adaptation of Boy Swallows Universe, you know you're in for a treat.

Australian author and journalist Trent Dalton's beloved novel has been turned into a much-awaited TV series for the streaming service, introducing readers and newcomers alike to the city of Brisbane in the '80s, and the storm of family turmoil and organised crime that swirls around young protagonist Eli Bell, played by Felix Cameron.

A poignant, brutal, and heaving feat of magical realism, this coming-of-age story is one that's stayed with book lovers since its release in 2018. The cast is stacked full of Australian icons: Bryan Brown as Eli's best mate Slim Halliday, Anthony LaPaglia as villainous drug lord Titus Broz, Deborah Mailman as high school counsellor Poppy Birkbeck, Talk to Me's Sophie Wilde playing reporter Caitlyn Spies, Phoebe Tonkin as Eli's mother Frances, Simon Baker as his father Robert, and newcomers like Lee Halley playing Eli's brother Gus, Zachary Wan as mate and neighbour Darren Dang, and Eloise Rothfield as classmate Shelly Huffman.

How to watch: Boy Swallows Universe is coming to Netflix "soon."