In the realm of horror films, few topics are as chilling as the real-life trauma of conversion therapy. Director Adrian Chiarella‘s latest film, Leviticustakes this harrowing subject and weaves it into a supernatural nightmare that is as thought-provoking as it is terrifying. The film, which premiered on June 19, follows the story of two Australian teenagers, Naim and Ryan, whose budding romance triggers a religious intervention with devastating consequences.
The film’s title, Leviticusis a direct reference to the Old Testament scripture often used to justify homophobia. Chiarella’s decision to use this title is a powerful statement, highlighting the film’s exploration of the psychological and emotional impact of conversion therapy on LGBTQ+ youth. The film’s unique blend of horror and coming-of-age themes makes it a compelling watch for audiences of all backgrounds.
From Real-Life Trauma to Supernatural Horror
The film’s plot revolves around Naim (Joe Bird) and Ryan (Stacy Clausen), two teenagers whose relationship catches the attention of their conservative small-town community. Their parents, influenced by a dubious preacher, force them into a dogmatic ‘cleansing’ ritual. This ritual unleashes a violent, shapeshifting entity that only the boys can see. The entity takes the form of the person they love the most—each other—making the horror deeply personal and psychologically cruel.
Chiarella’s research into conversion therapy across different cultures informed the film’s chilling portrayal of the practice. He discovered that exorcisms and other ritualistic practices are used in various cultures to ‘cure’ LGBTQ+ individuals. This research reinforced his belief that the horror genre is the perfect medium to explore these ideas. The film’s supernatural elements serve as a metaphor for the internalized homophobia and trauma experienced by many LGBTQ+ youth.
Universal Themes and Emotional Resonance
While Leviticus is rooted in the LGBTQ+ experience, its themes are universal. The film explores the isolating experience of growing up as a vulnerable teen and the pain of parental rejection. By framing these experiences through a supernatural lens, Chiarella narrows the gap between terrifying genre conventions and an emotionally stirring coming-of-age story. This approach allows the film to resonate far beyond the LGBTQ+ community.
Chiarella’s own experiences growing up in a religious school informed the script. He recalls feeling homophobia from both his peers and the religious teachings he was exposed to. This personal connection to the material is evident in the film’s authentic portrayal of the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ youth. The film’s emotional resonance is a testament to Chiarella’s ability to blend personal experience with universal themes.
The Villain and the Future of the Franchise
The film’s villain is not just the supernatural entity but also the adults who enable and perpetuate the conversion therapy. The parents’ refusal to accept their sons’ identities and the preacher’s willingness to inflict the curse on them highlight the real-world horror of the practice. Chiarella’s decision to make the entity take the form of the boys’ loved ones adds a layer of psychological terror that is both unique and deeply unsettling.
As for the future of the franchise, Chiarella is open to exploring the origins of the entity and following different couples who are inflicted with this curse. The film’s rich storytelling potential and the creative responses from fans suggest that Leviticus could become a significant franchise in the horror genre. The film’s ability to resonate with a wide audience and its exploration of important social issues make it a standout in the genre.
