A haunting and sensitive feature directorial debut from writer-director Adrian Chiarella, LEVITICUS promises a new, poignant entry into the canon of coming-of-age horror. An isolated Australian small town hosts the evils of religious fanaticism and its consequences for queer youth, creating an atmosphere that’s chilling and near-claustrophobic. Joe Bird and Stacy Clausen tenderly embody Naim and Ryan, magnetically attracted teens coming into their sexuality, yet facing physical and spiritual violence at every bend.
At times sensual, and just as often thrilling, LEVITICUS shines as both a harrowing Midnight experience and a queer social horror. At the core of this merciless curse narrative is an authentic reflection on what it means to love queerly despite the persistent dangers from within and without.
“This outstanding debut from writer-director Adrian Chiarella organically marries blood-curling fright with incisive social commentary…. With LEVITICUS, Chiarella wields horror in defense of queer love, avoiding easy sentimentalism, while also not surrendering to hopelessness, all while still satisfying the audience’s cravings for effective, bone-chilling uneasiness.” —Carlos Aguilar, Variety
“[A] phenomenally entertaining horror debut that plays like an episode of “Heated Rivalry” ghoulishly crossed with IT FOLLOWS…. The film’s moody atmosphere — including a soundtrack full of clanks and bangs — makes it an enjoyably disquieting ride.” —Natalia Winkelman, IndieWire
“A riveting work that will haunt you for days…. At its heart, the film is a love story. A love story about two souls who need to trust each other if they want to survive.” —Gregory Ellwood, The Playlist
