This week Stan dropped its newest original in Invisible Boys.
When we open, it’s 2017 and marriage equality has just taken a win, with a television screen showing then Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s press conference. As he says “They voted yes for love,” a teen smashes the TV with his guitar. And with that, we are introduced to “deviant” teen Charlie (Joseph Zada) who believes you have to leave in a blaze of glory or die.
No one is aware that Charlie is gay until a dating app hook-up goes wrong and his forced to come out before the hook-up’s wife tells the small country town of Geraldton. It’s an event that brings him into the orbit of Matt (Joe Klocek), a farmhand who is instantly taken by Charlie while dealing with his own identity issues.
Charlie isn’t the only invisible boy at his school, where we meet Zeke (Aydan Calafiore), the Italian son of conservative mother Anna (Pia Miranda) who is bullied at school by ‘Hammer’ (Zach Blampied) and his gang, while on the home front he tries not to get caught in his bedroom watching porn.
Rounding out the quartet is Hammer, the son of Karla (Shareena Clanton), who has his sights set on being chosen in the AFL draft, which is a big deal for his Indigenous community, but is struggling with the expectations put on him on and off the field.
All four young men will go on different journeys throughout the 10-episode first season, which keeps things tight with 30-minute episodes.
Adapted from Holden Holden Sheppard’s debut novel by creator and series director Nicholas Verso, along with co-writers Holden Sheppard ,Allan Clarke, Enoch Mailanhi, and Declan Greene, the creative team have delivered a story full of heart and humour that allows each lead to shine, alongside some top talent in David Lyons and Hayley McElhinney.
Invisible Boys is an unfiltered look at intimate moments, mental health, and the power of connection..
5 Stars
Invisible Boys is now streaming on Stan.
