Leviticus
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Leviticus
Leviticus (2026) is an Australian social horror film that blends supernatural elements with a coming-of-age queer romance. Directed by Adrian Chiarella, the movie centers on teenage boys Naim and Ryan, who develop a romantic attraction in a conservative, religiously zealous small town. When their relationship is discovered, they are subjected to a 'conversion therapy' ritual that inadvertently unleashes a violent, shape-shifting entity. This creature preys on them by taking the form of the person they desire most, turning intimacy into a deadly threat. The film explores themes of religious trauma, homophobia, and the struggle for identity and acceptance within oppressive communities. It is intended for mature audiences due to its intense horror, thematic elements, and violence, offering a poignant and terrifying experience that critiques societal violence against queer youth.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The film explicitly features a central gay romance between two teenage boys, Naim and Ryan, whose relationship is the catalyst for the entire plot. It directly addresses themes of queer identity, homophobia, religious trauma, and conversion therapy. Director Adrian Chiarella has stated the film is about "two boys who fall in love, the community that tries to erase that feeling, and the curse they unintentionally unleash."
The primary protagonists, Naim (Joe Bird) and Ryan (Stacy Clausen), are two teenage boys who fall in love. Their budding queer relationship is discovered by their conservative, religious community, leading to a conversion therapy ritual being performed on them. This ritual unleashes a supernatural entity that takes the form of the person they desire most (each other), making their intimacy deadly. For example, a scene on a bus depicts Naim and Ryan sharing a 'steamy, saucy' moment, highlighting their affection, but this intimacy is immediately undercut by the impending supernatural threat tied to their desire.
Violence
Leviticus features graphic and unsettling violence, primarily linked to the supernatural entity. The attacks are brutal, unflinching, and often involve characters being violently assaulted or killed by the demon, which appears as their loved one. The film also depicts societal violence in the form of emotional and psychological torment.
Witchcraft & Occult
Witchcraft and occult themes are central to the plot, revolving around a 'deliverance healer' who performs a ritual intended to 'cure' gay teenagers, which instead summons a violent, shape-shifting demon. This ritual is depicted with supernatural consequences, leading to the haunting of the protagonists.
Scary & Intense Content
The film is described as an 'emotionally devastating and deeply unsettling horror film' with a 'chilling curse narrative' that includes jump scares, disturbing imagery, and intense psychological dread. The horror stems from the constant threat of a demonic entity and the underlying societal homophobia.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect and rebellion are central to the film's themes, portrayed through the conservative community's forceful attempts to suppress Naim and Ryan's identities and the boys' subsequent struggle and defiance against these oppressive systems. The film explores the trauma caused by societal disapproval and the 'queer rebellion against oppressive systems.'
Anti-Christian Themes
The film uses the biblical Book of Leviticus as its title and a central metaphor to critique homophobia and religious trauma. It depicts a 'devoutly Christian community' whose 'religious zealotry' leads to harmful 'conversion therapy' rituals that unleash a demon, portraying religion as a source of oppression and violence against queer youth.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Not recommended for viewers under 17. The film carries an R-rating primarily due to its intense thematic elements revolving around religious trauma and homophobia, graphic violence including scenes of assault and murder, sexual references, and disturbing supernatural horror. Its mature themes and unsettling portrayal of persecution against LGBTQ+ youth require a discerning audience.
Good to Know
The film's runtime is approximately 86-88 minutes. No significant differences have been reported across theatrical, extended, or director's cuts. There is no information about sequels or adaptations available at this time, as this is a debut feature film. The strong critical reception highlights its effective blend of romance, horror, and social commentary. Parents should be aware that while it is a horror film, its underlying message is a critique of homophobia and religious oppression.
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