In the realm of horror films, Leviticus has emerged as a standout title, captivating audiences and critics alike. Directed by Australian filmmaker Adrian Chiarellathis queer horror film has been praised for its unique blend of romance and terror, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
The film, which premiered in Australian cinemas on Thursday and is now captivating audiences in the US, follows the story of Naima teenager played by Joe Birdwho moves to an isolated rural town with his mother, portrayed by Mia Wasikowska. Naim’s life takes an unexpected turn when he befriends classmate Ryanplayed by Stacy Clausenand the two boys discover their feelings for one another.
The Sinister Twist of Leviticus
As Naim and Ryan’s relationship deepens, they face a sinister supernatural form of conversion therapy. The boys are stalked by a violent entity that only they can see, taking the form of the person they most desire—each other. This chilling concept has earned Leviticus a 93% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoesplacing it just behind the horror smash Obsessionwhich currently holds a 94% rating.
Critics from various outlets have heaped praise on Leviticus. Indiewire and The Daily Beast have both declared it “deserves to be summer’s next Obsession.” Variety has lauded it as “summer’s most surprising love story,” while Slate has called it “another worthy addition to what has been a remarkable year for horror.” Rolling Stone has even declared it a “new landmark queer-horror movie.”
Adrian Chiarella’s Vision and Inspiration
Chiarella, reacting to the hype around Leviticus, acknowledged the challenge of following such “very tough acts to follow” as Obsession and Backrooms. “I love both of those movies. They have a very specific perspective on relationships,” he told Indiewire. “I think Leviticus has a slightly different take on relationships at the end!”
The filmmaker also shared his personal connection to the genre. “I wanted to make this film to reclaim a lot of that space back,” Chiarella explained. “As a gay man and as someone who grew up obsessed with horror films, I feel like for a long, long time the genre of horror movies has operated as this secret code amongst queer people.” He emphasized the importance of horror films in exploring themes of being demonized and pushed to the fringes of society.
The Impact of Leviticus on Queer Cinema
Leviticus is not just a horror film; it’s a powerful commentary on the queer experience. Chiarella’s decision to tackle the issue of conversion therapy through a supernatural lens has resonated deeply with audiences. The film’s unique perspective on relationships and its chilling portrayal of the consequences of repression have made it a standout title in the horror genre.
As Leviticus continues to gain traction, it’s clear that it’s more than just a summer sensation. It’s a film that’s redefining queer cinema and setting a new standard for horror films. With its compelling story, powerful performances, and chilling concept, Leviticus is a must-watch for anyone looking for a film that’s both terrifying and deeply moving.
