A Christmas Classic Comes to Life
The beloved 1996 Christmas song How to Make Gravy by Paul Kelly has been brought to the big screen, thanks to the creative efforts of director Nick Waterman, songwriter Meg Washington, and a talented cast led by Hugo Weaving and Daniel Henshall. The film, now available on BINGE, reimagines Kelly’s iconic song, 30 years after its release.
Paul Kelly’s Emotional Reaction
At the film’s Sydney premiere, both Hugo Weaving and Daniel Henshall shared touching moments with Paul Kelly, who had a deeply emotional reaction to the adaptation. “He was visibly shaken,” Weaving revealed, explaining that Kelly had seen the film before but was still moved by its powerful portrayal of his song.
Story of Redemption
Much like the song, the film follows Joe (Henshall), an inmate writing a letter home to his family on Christmas Eve. The narrative delves into themes of family, guilt, and redemption, with Weaving playing Noel, a father figure guiding Joe toward personal growth. Other characters, like Joe’s wife Rita (Agathe Rousselle) and his brother Dan (Brenton Thwaites), are drawn directly from Kelly’s lyrics.
Behind the Scenes with Henshall
Daniel Henshall, who portrays Joe, expressed initial concern about how Kelly would perceive his interpretation of the character. However, a brief encounter with Kelly in a bathroom after the premiere put his worries to rest. Henshall shared, “He was moved beyond words,” recalling how Kelly described the experience as “an out-of-body moment” that connected the song, his career, and the film in an unexpected way.
Stream Now
How to Make Gravy is now available to stream on BINGE, Foxtel, and Hubbl On Demand.
