Stan’s upcoming original series, Invisible Boys, is set to launch on February 13, offering audiences a poignant glimpse at the often overlooked facets of gay sexuality. The drama, based on Holden Sheppard’s acclaimed novel, features a talented cast of rising Australian stars, including Joseph Zada from East of Eden, Aydan Calafiore from The Voice, Zach Blampied from New Gold Mountain, and Joe Klocek from Territory. Also joining the ensemble are veteran actors Pia Miranda, known for Windcatcher, and David Lyons from Truth Be Told.
The series is framed against the backdrop of Australia’s 2017 same-sex marriage plebiscite. It centers on the lives of several gay teenagers hailing from the remote coastal town of Geraldton, Western Australia, who navigate the challenges of growing up amid societal pressures and personal crises. The narrative takes on added weight when one of the boys is outed on social media after having had an encounter with an older man.
Through the lens of these characters, Invisible Boys delves deep, exploring themes of identity, friendship, and the quest for acceptance. The boys form close-knit bonds as they grapple with their desires and navigate the societal obstacles laid before them, existing within a world where they often feel invisible. This narrative aims to shine a light on the experiences of gay youth, who frequently contend with feelings of isolation and misunderstanding.
The series promises to resonate with many, showcasing how the characters face heart-wrenching difficulties yet find solace and support within their friendships. The character arcs depict humor, heartache, and healing, highlighting the resilience of young individuals discovering their identities.
Invisible Boys is helmed by creator-director Nicholas Verso, known for his previous works like Crazy Fun Park and Boys in the Trees. A talented team of writers, including Enoch Mailangi, Allan Clarke, and author Holden Sheppard himself, lends their voices to craft the scripts. Verso’s production company, asphodel Films, collaborates with Tania Chambers of Feisty Dame Productions on this notable project.
The series' production received major financial support from Screen Australia, among other individuals and organisations, ensuring it reflects the high-quality storytelling audiences have come to expect from Stan's original content. With contributions from Screenwest, Lotterywest, and the WA Regional Screen Fund, the project stands as a significant cinematic endeavor entrenched within the Australian arts community.
According to the report from Deadline, Invisible Boys will include several notable talents, such as Shareena Clanton from Wentworth, Myles Pollard from X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and Hayley McElhinney of How to Please a Woman. Excitingly, the series is also set to introduce new talents like Mercy Cornwall and Jamie Ward, ensuring fresh perspectives to the narrative.
Not only does Invisible Boys aim to entertain, but it also seeks to provoke thoughtful dialogue surrounding the broader challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, especially among youth. The series openly tackles topics often considered taboos, ensuring viewers will engage with content both compelling and enlightening.
With anticipation building toward its release, many are eager to see how Invisible Boys will approach complex issues of identity and acceptance, all through the lens of friendship, love, and the fierce desire to belong. The portrayal of Geraldton alongside contemporary themes of growing up gay feels particularly relevant as society continues to engage with conversations about diversity and inclusion.
Screening first on Stan, Invisible Boys joins the ranks of other high-profile Australian dramas, but with its unique focus and heartfelt narrative, it is poised to carve out its own space. The coming-of-age drama invites viewers to shareances with the characters’ vulnerabilities and triumphs, making it accessible and relatable.
Fans of thought-provoking, emotion-driven storytelling should mark February 13 on their calendars—Invisible Boys is set to ignite discussions and bring forth stories of resilience, love, and the unyielding pursuit of self-discovery.