“Leviticus,” the latest film from writer-director Adrian Chiarella, has made an impressive mark as a tightly conceived queer horror debut.

Named after the biblical book often interpreted as condemning homosexuality, the film explores the terror and stakes of love in a hostile, judgmental society.

Set in a small, isolated Australian town, the story follows Ryan (Stacy Clausen) and Naim (Joe Bird) as they navigate their secret desire, facing societal and religious scrutiny.

Naim, new to the town with his emotionally distant mother (Mia Wasikowska), discovers that the consequences of forbidden love are both horrifying and deeply symbolic.

Horror as Social Commentary

The narrative escalates when the young men are subjected to a “deliverance healer,” a violent ritual performed in front of the congregation, implying that certain religious authorities willingly invoke a supernatural force to punish queer desire.

Chiarella emphasizes the symbolic weight of this malevolent entity, which embodies self-hatred, societal shame, and homophobia.

Performances by Clausen and Bird are tender yet tense, capturing the dread and sorrow of queer individuals in oppressive environments.

Even familial figures, such as Naim’s mother, are shown complicit, illustrating the far-reaching impact of homophobia on relationships and lives.

Critical Acclaim and Industry Recognition

Chiarella’s control over tension and horror mechanics elevates “Leviticus” above standard jump-scare fare, blending terror with a defense of queer love.

The film premiered in the Midnight section of the Sundance Film Festival, receiving significant praise for its originality and emotional depth.

Critics have highlighted its standout quality among horror subgenres, and Neon acquired the distribution rights in a seven-figure deal, signaling the film’s commercial and cultural potential.

With a stellar cast including Clausen, Bird, Wasikowska, and Ewen Leslie, “Leviticus” is poised to become a significant entry in queer horror cinema.