BINGE/Jasin Boland
Get ready for a flood of nostalgic feels, because the adaptation of Paul Kelly’s iconic anthem How To Make Gravy is about to hit our screens as the first ever Binge original feature film.
For anyone who’s grown up with the lyrics of Kelly’s bittersweet tale of realisation and regret bellowing from the speakers every Christmas, the news of its big screen treatment feels like a healing moment.
Based on Kelly’s iconic song, the film has been adapted by Aria award-winning musician Meg Washington and Nick Waterman, who also directs the film.
Read on for everything else you need to know about the movie, including when and where you can stream it in Australia.
What Is The Film About?
Based on the song by Australian singer/songwriter Paul Kelly released in 1996, How To Make Gravy chronicles the lives of recently-imprisoned Joe and his family, as they prepare to celebrate their first Christmas without him.
The song is written from the perspective of Joe who’s currently behind bars, serving prison time for an unknown crime.
Writing home to his brother Dan, Joe laments his absence, touching on his wishes for his kids and asking the all-important question: “Who’s gonna make the gravy now? I bet it won’t taste the same”
As one of the few Christmas songs that feels so innately Australian, How To Make Gravy became an instant hit, offering up a local take on the usual ‘white Christmas’ narrative with its references to summer heat, messy family dynamics and relatable traditions.
Joe shares his cherished recipe for gravy with Dan, in the hopes that his brother can fill his shoes while he’s gone.
Just add flour, salt, a little red wine | And don’t forget a dollop of tomato sauce for sweetness and that extra tang
When news first broke that the beloved song was being adapted for screen, Megan Washington and husband, Nick Waterman spoke about the joy of being able to bring such a special story to life.
“Paul’s beautiful song is the perfect recipe for a feature film,” they said in a statement.
“Its characters are already beloved by many who have imagined the story behind Joe’s letter themselves – there’s so much to be found in the space between what he must be feeling in prison at Christmas and what he writes in his letter to his brother.
“This song holds a special place in our hearts. It’s an honour to bring it to life.”
Who Is Cast In How To Make Gravy?
The How To Make Gravy movie stars Daniel Henshall, as Joe, his brother Dan is played by Brenton Thwaites, “flying in from the coast” is Joe’s sister Stella played by Kate Mulvany and Damon Herriman as Stella’s husband Roger.
Making her English-language film debut, French actress Agathe Rousselle will play Joe’s wife Rita, with Jonah Wren Phillips cast as Joe’s son Angus, Rose Statham and Izzy Westlake as Joe’s twin daughters Frank & Dolly.
Playing the part of Dan’s daughter Mary is Eloise Rothfield, from Boy Swallows Universe, and “driving down from Queensland” are the brothers Gary, played by Eugene Gilfedder, and Murray, played by Kym Gyngell.
The movie will also introduce new characters to the story, with Hugo Weaving stepping in as Joe’s prison protector and ‘veteran lifer’ Noel, as well as Joe’s prison nemesis, Red – played by Kieran Darcy-Smith.
Where To Watch How To Make Gravy In Australia?
Although Australia’s unofficial Gravy Day is December 21, thanks to the lyrics “It’s the 21st of December, and now they’re ringing the last bells,“ we’ll be able to watch the big screen adaptation from December 1.
Get ready to stream How To Make Gravy on BINGE from $10/mth, with a 7-day free trial.
Watch the trailer for the How To Make Gravy film, below.
