Wondering who stars in Australia’s newest Christmas classic? The cast of How to Make Gravy brings Paul Kelly’s beloved song to life with impressive performances and chemistry that jumps off the screen.
Let’s meet the actors who turned this iconic Australian Christmas song into a feature film. From award-winning veterans to exciting newcomers, this ensemble delivers heart and authenticity to this uniquely Australian story.
The Story Behind the Film
The film adapts Paul Kelly’s famous Christmas song about Joe, a prisoner writing to his brother Dan about missing family Christmas. Released in December 2024, it was the first original feature film on Australian streaming service Binge.
The creative team treated the song with deep respect. Director Nick Waterman even said, “We treated the song like it was Shakespeare. Like it was this sacred text in the way that it belongs to Australia.”
The story resonates with fans who celebrate December 21 as “Gravy Day” in Australia. This date marks when Joe writes his letter in the song, telling his family he’ll miss their Christmas gathering.
The film expands this simple premise into a full story about family bonds, redemption, and Australian Christmas traditions. Both longtime fans of the song and newcomers will connect with these universal themes.
Lead Cast Members and Their Roles
Daniel Henshall as Joe
Daniel Henshall plays Joe, the imprisoned protagonist whose letter forms the emotional core of the story. His performance delivers raw emotion and vulnerability that will stick with you.
Henshall’s previous work includes acclaimed roles in “The Snowtown Murders” and “The Babadook.” His talent for portraying complex characters makes him perfect for Joe.
In promotional interviews, Henshall described the production as “brilliant” and “very collaborative both in front of the camera and behind.” His enthusiasm for the project shows in his performance.
You can follow Daniel on Instagram at @danielhenshall where he posts behind-the-scenes glimpses of his work. His upcoming projects include a role in the new thriller “Blackwater” set to release next summer.
Brenton Thwaites as Dan
Brenton Thwaites) takes on the role of Dan, Joe’s brother who receives the emotional letter. Dan becomes our window into how the family copes with Joe’s absence.
Thwaites brings warmth and authenticity to the role. You might recognize him from “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” and “The Giver.”
His chemistry with the rest of the cast creates believable family dynamics. Dan carries much of the emotional weight of the Christmas gathering without Joe.
Find Brenton on Twitter @brentonthwaites where he regularly engages with fans. He recently wrapped filming on “Tides of Fate,” a drama coming to theaters next fall.
Agathe Rousselle as Rita
French actress Agathe Rousselle plays Rita, Joe’s wife. Her performance shows Rita’s struggle to hold the family together while her husband is imprisoned.
Rousselle gained international attention for her lead role in the controversial film “Titane.” This marks her first major English-language role.
Her portrayal of Rita adds emotional depth to the story. The scenes between Rita and her son Angus reveal the daily challenges of maintaining family bonds.
Follow Agathe’s artistic journey on Instagram @agathe_rousselle where she shares her film work and photography. She has recently been cast in the upcoming French drama “Lumière.”
Hugo Weaving as Noel
Veteran actor Hugo Weaving plays Noel, a senior prison inmate who runs the kitchen and a men’s group that helps Joe.
Weaving’s impressive career includes iconic roles in “The Matrix,” “The Lord of the Rings,” and “V for Vendetta.” His presence adds gravitas to the prison scenes.
In interviews, Weaving explained his approach to the character: “Well, the script initially, and then what that throws up for you, what work you need to do to understand that.”
This isn’t Weaving’s first collaboration with Henshall. They previously worked together in “The Royal Hotel” (2023) and “Measure for Measure” (2019), creating a natural chemistry on screen.
Supporting Cast That Shines
Kate Mulvany as Stella
Kate Mulvany portrays Stella, Joe’s sister. Her performance captures the complex emotions of supporting her brother while managing family tensions.
Mulvany is known for her work in “The Great Gatsby” and Amazon’s “Hunters.” Her theater background brings depth to every scene.
She creates a believable sibling relationship with both Henshall and Thwaites. Stella serves as a stabilizing force in the family’s Christmas gathering.
Kate doesn’t maintain public social media accounts, preferring to focus on her acting and playwriting. Her next project is adapting a popular Australian novel for the stage.
Damon Herriman as Roger
Damon Herriman plays Roger, Stella’s husband. His performance adds both comic relief and emotional support to the family dynamics.
You might recognize Herriman from “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and his chilling portrayal of Charles Manson in “Mindhunter.” This role showcases his versatility.
Critics have praised his performance, with The Sydney Morning Herald highlighting his work alongside Henshall and Weaving as particularly moving.
Find Damon on Instagram @damonherriman where he occasionally posts about his projects. He’s currently filming a supporting role in the new Australian crime series “Undertow.”
Jonah Wren Phillips as Angus
Young actor Jonah Wren Phillips plays Angus, Joe and Rita’s son. His performance captures a child’s confusion and resilience when facing a parent’s absence.
This represents a breakthrough role for Phillips. He brings natural emotion to scenes with both Rousselle and in the visiting room with Henshall.
The father-son relationship forms one of the film’s most touching elements. Their Christmas visit scene in prison stands out as particularly powerful.
Industry insiders predict we’ll see much more from this talented young actor. His performance has already earned attention from casting directors across Australia.
Special Appearances and Cameos
Paul Kelly’s Special Cameo
In a perfect meta moment, Paul Kelly himself appears as a bus driver in the film. This Easter egg delights fans of the original song.
Kelly’s presence gives the film his personal stamp of approval. The legendary Australian musician created the song that inspired the entire project.
Kelly attended the film’s premiere in November 2024 in Sydney. His support throughout the production process helped maintain the song’s authentic spirit.
You can follow Paul Kelly on Instagram @paulkelly where he shares music updates and tour dates. His annual Christmas concerts remain a beloved Australian tradition.
Meg Washington as Kelly
Adding another layer of musical connection, award-winning musician Meg Washington appears in the film as a character named Kelly.
Washington wasn’t just acting in the film. Along with Nick Waterman, she co-wrote and produced the adaptation from song to screen.
The inspiration came to Washington and Waterman in 2019 after attending Paul Kelly’s December 21 “Gravy Day” concert. They were moved by seeing 10,000 people emotionally connecting with the song.
Follow Meg on Instagram @megwashington for updates on her music and film projects. She recently announced a new album release for early next year.
Behind the Scenes Chemistry
The cast of How to Make Gravy built strong connections during filming. This chemistry translates to authentic family dynamics on screen.
Hugo Weaving and Daniel Henshall brought an established relationship to their roles. Having worked together twice before, they developed a creative shorthand.
Henshall remarked about working with Weaving: “It’s brilliant because, I mean, I’m very fond of Hugo, and so I’ve learned that that gives me a shorthand in communication, in familiarity, in trust, in friendship.”
The cast spent two weeks in rehearsals before filming began. This time allowed them to build the family connections that feel so natural in the finished film.
Filming took place on the Gold Coast, Queensland, starting in October 2023. The production wrapped just in time for a December 2024 release.
The entire ensemble participated in cooking sessions as team-building exercises. These sessions helped create the comfortable family dynamic visible in the Christmas dinner scenes.
Critical Reception and Awards
The cast of How to Make Gravy has earned both critical praise and audience appreciation. The film currently holds a 6.9/10 rating on IMDb from over 900 ratings.
Critics particularly praised the performances of the lead actors. Garry Maddox of The Sydney Morning Herald gave the film 4 out of 5 stars, highlighting the moving performances of Henshall, Weaving, and Herriman.
Not all reviews were glowing. Luke Buckmaster of The Guardian found the film overly sentimental, rating it 2 out of 5 stars.
Despite mixed reviews, the film has been nominated for 15 awards at the 2025 AACTA Awards. This recognition celebrates the cast’s outstanding performances.
Australian audiences connected strongly with the film. Free screenings organized on December 21, 2024 (“Gravy Day”) across Australia drew enthusiastic crowds.
The cast’s portrayal of a family dealing with separation during the holidays has resonated with viewers. Many praise how the actors brought depth to the song’s simple narrative.
Where to Follow the Cast
Want to keep up with the cast of How to Make Gravy? Most cast members maintain active social media presences where they share updates on new projects.
Daniel Henshall (@danielhenshall), Brenton Thwaites (@brentonthwaites), and Agathe Rousselle (@agathe_rousselle) regularly post on Instagram. They often share behind-the-scenes glimpses of their work.
Hugo Weaving doesn’t use social media, but fans can follow his work through his agency’s website. He typically gives thoughtful interviews when promoting new projects.
Damon Herriman (@damonherriman) and Meg Washington (@megwashington) maintain active Instagram accounts. They share both professional updates and personal interests.
The film’s official Instagram account (@howtomakegravyfilm) posts cast interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and updates about screenings. It’s the best one-stop source for all cast news.
Many cast members participate in film festivals and industry events. Check their social media accounts for announcements about public appearances.
What’s Next for the Cast
The success of How to Make Gravy has opened new doors for many cast members. Several have exciting projects in the pipeline for 2025 and beyond.
Daniel Henshall recently signed on for a lead role in the international thriller “Blackwater.” Production begins in New Zealand in June 2025.
Brenton Thwaites will appear in “Tides of Fate,” a drama scheduled for release in late 2025. He’s also been rumored for a superhero franchise, though details remain under wraps.
Agathe Rousselle returns to French cinema in “Lumière,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sophie Marceau. The film begins production in Paris next month.
Hugo Weaving continues his stage work with the Sydney Theatre Company. He’ll play King Lear in their 2025-2026 season, a role he’s long wanted to tackle.
Damon Herriman joins the cast of new Australian crime series “Undertow” as a regular. The show begins filming in Melbourne in August 2025.
Meg Washington balances acting with her music career. She recently announced a new album and Australian tour scheduled for early 2025.
Why This Cast Works So Well Together
The cast of How to Make Gravy brings a perfect mix of established veterans and fresh faces. This combination creates dynamic performances that elevate the material.
The film explores complex themes of masculinity, family bonds, and redemption. Each actor approaches these themes with nuance and authenticity.
Having actors who previously worked together helped create instant chemistry. The Weaving-Henshall connection forms the emotional backbone of the prison scenes.
The cast’s diverse backgrounds bring different energy to each role. From Weaving’s classical training to Rousselle’s French art-house experience, these perspectives enrich the ensemble.
Director Nick Waterman praised the cast’s collaborative spirit during interviews. He noted how actors contributed ideas that enhanced their characters’ development.
The film’s emotional impact relies heavily on the cast’s ability to create believable family relationships. Their performances make you care about this fictional family’s Christmas.
The cast of How to Make Gravy transformed a beloved song into a multi-dimensional story that stands on its own cinematic merits. Their collective talent brings this uniquely Australian Christmas tale to life.
Conclusion
The cast of How to Make Gravy carries the emotional weight of Paul Kelly’s beloved song with skill and heart. From Daniel Henshall’s moving portrayal of Joe to the stellar supporting ensemble, each actor adds depth to this Australian Christmas story.
The film showcases Australian cinema at its best. With strong performances across the board, the cast turns a simple premise into a rich tapestry of family connections and holiday emotions.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the song or new to the story, the cast makes these characters feel like people you know. Their performances ensure this Christmas tale will become an Australian classic for years to come.
Want to experience this uniquely Australian Christmas story? The film is available now on Binge. Share your thoughts on your favorite performances in the comments below!
