Australian writer-director Adrian Chiarella makes a striking debut with 'Leviticus,' a queer horror that explores the demonisation of homosexual desire through a supernatural curse. The film follows two young men, Ryan (Stacy Clausen) and Naim (Joe Bird), who discover their mutual attraction in a small, religious Australian town. After their secret is exposed, a 'deliverance healer' invokes a demon to punish them, an entity that takes the form of their object of desire and attacks if they succumb to lust.
The film's title references the biblical book of Leviticus, which some interpret as condemning homosexuality. Chiarella uses this to critique how religious shame can manifest as self-hatred, embodied by the demonic force. The entity symbolises the internalised homophobia imposed on queer individuals, particularly youth, by certain religious groups. This thematic depth is matched by grounded performances from Clausen and Bird, whose cautious tenderness contrasts with mounting dread.
Visually, 'Leviticus' adopts a social realist style, with cinematographer Tyson Perkins capturing the harsh, industrial backdrop of the town. This normalises even the most gruesome events, suggesting they could happen anywhere. The film's horror is both visceral and psychological, focusing on the pain of knowing that love itself has been twisted into a curse. Mia Wasikowska also stars as Naim's emotionally stunted mother, adding to the sense of isolation.
Chiarella joins a strong tradition of Australian genre filmmakers, including Jennifer Kent and the Philippou brothers, with a film that marries fright with incisive social commentary. 'Leviticus' is a tightly conceived, gripping queer horror that reaches for unassuming brilliance, proving its director a prime new voice in the genre.
