Leviticus movie explained: The queer horror you need now

Leviticus is a 2026 supernatural horror film that uses the trauma of conversion therapy as a catalyst for a visceral, shape-shifting nightmare. The story follows two queer teens, Naim and Ryan, whose attempt to survive a religious town’s forced conversion ritual backfires, accidentally inviting a demonic entity into their lives. This entity does not just hunt them; it assumes the form of the person they desire most, turning their burgeoning love into a lethal liability.

The Premise: Conversion Therapy as a Supernatural Curse

The film centers on the intersection of faith and fanaticism in a rural Australian community. When Naim and Ryan are caught in a secret romance, local religious leaders subject them to a brutal ritual designed to purge their homosexuality. The horror stems from a direct subversion of the exorcism genre: the ritual fails to cast out a demon and instead acts as an invitation.

The demon feeds on the boys' mutual desire. Because the creature manifests as the person the victim loves most, Naim and Ryan are constantly forced to distinguish between their partner and a predatory entity. This creates a relentless cycle of paranoia and psychological torture, grounded in the reality of the characters' internalised shame and fear of being discovered.

Cast and Production

Director Adrian Chiarella makes a confident feature debut, supported by a cast that balances young talent with seasoned prestige performers. The film’s tone is elevated by the production team behind The Babadook, ensuring the horror remains rooted in emotional truth rather than cheap tropes.

• Naim: Joe Bird

• Ryan: Stacy Clausen

• Naim’s mother: Mia Wasikowska

• Hunter: Jeremy Blewitt
  

Quick Facts: Leviticus

Field	Detail
Release Date	18 June 2026 (Australia), 19 June 2026 (U.S.)
Director	Adrian Chiarella
Runtime	86–87 minutes
Platform	Theatrical release via Neon
Status	Now Playing

Is Leviticus worth watching?

Leviticus is absolutely worth watching if you appreciate prestige horror that prioritizes thematic depth and emotional stakes over endless jump scares. Critics have praised the film for its "haunting" atmosphere and its ability to turn religious trauma into a tangible, supernatural threat. It is a vital watch for fans of modern queer genre cinema.

FAQ

What is the movie Leviticus about?

Leviticus follows two gay teens, Naim and Ryan, who are subjected to a conversion therapy ritual that goes wrong and unleashes a shape-shifting demon. The entity haunts the boys by taking the form of the person they love most, forcing them to navigate a lethal game of trust and survival.

Is Leviticus based on a true story?

Leviticus is a work of supernatural fiction, but it is deeply informed by the real-world history and documented trauma of conversion therapy. The film uses the biblical book of Leviticus as a narrative weapon to critique the intersection of religious fundamentalism and anti-LGBTQ+ violence.

Where can I watch the movie Leviticus?

Leviticus is currently rolling out in theaters worldwide. It releases in Australia on 18 June 2026, and in the United States via Neon on 19 June 2026. Global availability will expand throughout 2026, so check your local cinema listings or the Neon official portal for updates.

Does Leviticus have a happy ending?

Leviticus is described as a "sad and frightening" horror film, suggesting the narrative prioritizes emotional resonance over a conventional resolution. While the film offers moments of tenderness between Naim and Ryan, the horror remains relentless, reflecting the tragic nature of the social commentary it explores.