Leviticus

It will never stop. A haunting and authentic directorial debut from Australian writer-director Adrian Chiarella, LEVITICUS delivers a new, poignant entry into the coming-of-age horror genre. An isolated Australian small town hosts the evils of religious fanaticism and its consequences for queer youth, creating an atmosphere that is both chilling and near-claustrophobic. Joe Bird (Talk to Me) and Stacy Clausen intimately embody Naim and Ryan, magnetically attracted teens coming into their sexuality, yet facing physical and spiritual violence at every turn. When their growing bond is discovered by their community, a ritual is performed on them, releasing a violent entity that takes the form of the victim’s purest desire, each other. At times sensual, and just as often thrilling, with a standout performance from the critically acclaimed Mia Wasikowska, LEVITICUS shines as an authentic reflection on what it means to love queerly despite the persistent dangers from within and without.