Get ready for a festive treat! “How To Make Gravy,” Paul Kelly’s beloved Christmas anthem, is being released as a movie this December, and we’ve just received our first glimpse with the official trailer.
This captivating two-minute clip dives into the emotional story from Kelly’s iconic 1996 song, showcasing a family bracing for their first Christmas without Joe.
The trailer also teases new characters who aren’t mentioned in the song, including the intriguing Noel, a prisoner brought to life by the talented Australian icon Hugo Weaving (known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings, The Matrix, and Priscilla Queen of the Desert).
And no, the movie definitely didn’t overlook that delicious dollop of tomato sauce in the iconic recipe (“for sweetness and that extra tang”).
Five years ago, director Nick Waterman and ARIA award-winning singer-songwriter Megan Washington approached Kelly with an exciting idea: to create a captivating movie that would bring their vision to life.
Waterman said that “How to Make Gravy is a meditation on humanity, love and connection”.
“It’s a celebration of family, songlines, self-respect, and seizing the present moment to create inner change, no matter how small.”
Washington added: “In every way, music is the heart, soul, and bones of this film. Music is powerful, healing, and enduring, as the song’s 30-year legacy confirms, and it has been a creative privilege to bring this beloved Australian Christmas carol to life.”
When the news of this film adaptation surfaced back in May 2022, Kelly shared his excitement in a statement. “Dan and Joe and Rita and Angus and Dolly and all the others have been stuck inside that song so long, I’m glad they’re going to get a chance to live life a different way.”
Paul Kelly’s iconic song ‘How To Make Gravy,’ released in November 1996, tells the touching tale of Joe, a man spending his first Christmas behind bars.
This character also reappears in other beloved tracks ‘To Her Door’ and ‘Love Never Runs On Time,’ weaving a rich narrative that fans cherish.
In an exciting film adaptation, actor Daniel Henshall brings the Paul Kelly’s iconic character Joe to life, with Brenton Thwaites portraying his brother Dan.
French actress Agathe Rousselle will be making her English-language film debut depicting Joe’s wife, Rita, and Jonah Wren Phillips takes on the role of their son, Angus.
The talented Kate Mulvany steps into the role of Joe’s sister, Stella, while Damon Herriman plays her husband, Roger.
The story also features twin sisters Frank and Dolly, portrayed by the dynamic duo of Rose Statham and Izzy Westlake.
The legendary Hugo Weaving joins the cast as a brand-new character not mentioned in the song, adding an intriguing twist. And let’s not forget Mary, Dan’s daughter, played by the talented Eloise Rothfield from ‘Boy Swallows Universe.’
Mark your calendars, ‘How To Make Gravy’ will be available to stream on Binge from Sunday, December 1, 2024.
