The horror genre has long been a vehicle for social commentaryand the upcoming film Leviticus is no exception. Directed by Adrian Chiarella, this Australian horror movie uses the supernatural to explore the real-life horrors of conversion therapy. Set to release on June 19, 2026, the film follows two young queer boys, Niam and Ryan, as they grapple with a violent entity that preys on their desires.
The film’s unique approach to horror has garnered significant attention, with comparisons to cult classics like A Tale of Two Sisters and It Follows. Chiarella’s directorial debut promises to be a chilling exploration of queer experiencesusing the horror genre to shed light on the demonization of queer desires.
The Horrors of Conversion Therapy
Leviticus tells the story of Niam and Ryan, two young boys in a small Australian town who find themselves targeted by a shapeshifting entity. This entity impersonates each boy, playing off their desires to manipulate and terrorize them. The film’s premise is a metaphor for conversion therapya practice that seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
In a clip shared exclusively with Them, Niam tries to convince Ryan that the best way to keep him safe is to leave the town. “You shouldn’t be near me,” Niam says to Ryan. “I shouldn’t be near you either.” Ryan, however, refuses to be swayed. “If I’m going to live with this thing, I don’t want it to look like some other dickhead,” he says. “I want it to look like you.” This exchange highlights the internal conflict and fear that many queer individuals face when subjected to conversion therapy.
A Director’s Vision
Adrian Chiarella, the film’s director, has spoken about the significance of using the horror genre to explore the queer experience. “For a long, long time, the genre of horror movies has operated as this secret code amongst queer people,” Chiarella said in the film’s press notes. He noted that the genre allows for an exploration of “what it means to be demonized and to be pushed to the fringes of society.” Chiarella aims to reclaim the horror genre for queer storytellers, following in the footsteps of figures like Mary Shelley and James Whale.
The film’s production has been supported by Causeway Films, known for their work on Talk to Me and The Babadook. Chiarella’s vision for Leviticus includes a mix of practical effects and post-production enhancementscreating a visually stunning and terrifying experience. The film also features a Frank Ocean song, which Chiarella secured with the artist’s approval.
The Impact of Leviticus
Leviticus is set to open in over 1,000 theaters across the United States and Australia on June 19, 2026. Chiarella is aware of the unique challenges faced by queer films in national theaters but remains optimistic about the film’s reception. “I’ve noticed around the world, and part of the reason I made this film, this regression we’ve had in LGBTQ rights in the last decade or so,” Chiarella said. He hopes that Leviticus will contribute to the ongoing conversation about queer rights and representation.
The film’s premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year was met with critical acclaim. Chiarella’s ability to blend horror and romance has been praised, with comparisons to It Follows and Heated Rivalry. However, Chiarella emphasizes that Leviticus offers a unique perspective on queer relationships and the struggles faced by young adults in conservative communities.
As the horror genre continues to dominate the summer movie season, Leviticus stands out as a bold and necessary addition. With its chilling exploration of conversion therapy and the queer experience, the film is poised to make a significant impact on audiences worldwide.
