Leviticus, the feature debut from Australian writer/director Adrian Chiarella, arrives in theaters on June 19, continuing a trend of strong films from emerging horror directors. The movie stars Joe Bird as Naim, a teenager in a devoutly religious town whose secret romantic relationship with classmate Ryan, played by Stacy Clausen, leads to devastating consequences when jealousy prompts Naim to expose Ryan and another boy, Hunter (Jeremy Blewitt).
The narrative centers on a classic curse trope where those afflicted see an entity resembling their deepest desire, which then attacks when their guard is down. Chiarella effectively builds tension as the boys grapple with the terrifying reality and the unreliability of their own senses. This carefully crafted curse movie showcases Chiarella's skill in establishing atmosphere and suspense.
At its core, Leviticus is a powerful examination of homophobia, illustrating the destructive outcomes of condemning love and desire. The film’s horror element is amplified by the chilling notion that the faces of the boys' loved ones become the source of their terror, a manifestation of societal judgment that deems their feelings so abhorrent that death is seen as a solution. The inclusion of a teenage girl in the film's opening sequence further underscores the pervasive danger.
Chiarella’s storytelling is commendably straightforward and understated, allowing the film's underlying metaphors to resonate without explicit exposition. The young characters speak authentically, their desire to escape their oppressive town imbued with natural context.
The performances of the young leads are central to the film's success. Joe Bird delivers an excellent, often quiet performance as Naim, conveying his character's discomfort, burgeoning happiness with Ryan, and eventual terror through subtle expressions and demeanor. He expertly portrays Naim's growing fear, including his own complicity in the unfolding events. Bird previously made an impression in the 2022 Australian horror film Talk to Me.
Stacy Clausen also shines as Ryan, bringing sweetness and empathy to a character who, while less developed than Naim, displays outward bravado that shifts dramatically after encountering the town's "Deliverance Healer." Mia Wasikowska, known for her roles in independent cinema since her days in larger productions like Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, contributes a strong, ambiguous portrayal of Naim's mother, her expressions hinting at a complex mixture of love, judgment, and conflict.
Leviticus successfully balances its queer themes with effective horror. The film becomes genuinely creepy, particularly after Naim falls under the curse himself. The psychological torment of potentially being attacked by the person one desires is a constant source of dread, with Naim and the audience sharing the same uncertainty whenever "Ryan" appears. One scene cleverly subverts expectations through this ambiguity, and Chiarella employs well-placed jump scares that punctuate the tension without becoming overused.
Jed Kurzel's evocative score enhances the film's eerie and melancholic atmosphere, perfectly complementing the narrative and its conclusion. The film offers no simple resolutions but avoids complete despair, presenting a somber yet fitting end that acknowledges the gravity of its subject matter.