Film Review – Leviticus (2026)

      Leviticus, 2026.

      Written and Directed by Adrian Chiarella.

      Featuring Joe Bird, Stacy Clausen, Mia Wasikowska, Tyallah Bullock, Ewen Leslie, Jeremy Blewitt, Davida McKenzie, Julia Grace, Hyu Motoki, Edwina Wren, David Serafin, Nicholas Hope, Zachary Newman, and Shannon Berry.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Two teenage boys must flee from a violent force that manifests as the person they desire most — each other.

      In the realm of metaphorical horror, especially those that fully embrace analogies, visual elements, and symbolism to convey a message, the core themes are often emphasized to the point of overshadowing any other potential enjoyment or, in the case of this genre, fear. Adrian Chiarella’s Leviticus flirts with falling into this pitfall, revealing a world with a deliverance healer (creepily portrayed by Nicholas Hope, who utilizes his limited screentime effectively) capable of performing a ritual that conjures a demon visible only to the healer's targets, appearing as their current romantic desire, lulling them into a false sense of security before abruptly turning violent and unstoppable. This serves as a supernatural allegory for gay conversion therapy; the cruelty of such a theme renders the film's concept compelling enough to warrant the entry fee.

      It’s also important to note that this curse affects not just boys; an opening prologue depicts the tragic end of a gay girl, providing a haunting glimpse of the horrors that lie ahead without revealing too much visually. The introductory sequence serves as a meticulously crafted, eerie setup for the narrative centered around closeted teenage lovers Naim (Joe Bird) and Ryan (Stacy Clausen), with Ryan's same-sex attraction being brought to light.

      Additionally, a third boy, Hunter (Jeremy Blewitt), adds complexity to the dynamics, creating a love triangle rife with jealousy, as the demonic entity's revelations are indeed true. Ryan finds himself pursued not by a demonic version of Naim but by Hunter, evoking a spectrum of emotions that naturally lead to heart-wrenching drama. There are specific rules at play, including that the demon cannot attack if the targeted individual is accompanied by at least one other person, no matter who they are.

      What makes Leviticus a compelling horror tale, despite its reliance on its central metaphor, is the overwhelming feeling that these boys cannot even trust their loved ones. The emotional weight is compounded by a prejudiced society that convinces them solitude is preferable, which makes little sense given the curse's rules, yet contributes to the shame the boys start to experience.

      However, it should be noted that the film does not fully capitalize on its concept, ending abruptly. Nevertheless, the scares are present, woven together with straightforward yet tender and poignant character development. Leviticus stands out as a unique horror film that is both frightening and romantic, sometimes blending these elements seamlessly within the same scene or quickly shifting from one to the other.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder