Queer longing becomes a deadly curse in Sundance horror Leviticus
Australian director Adrian Chiarella’s Leviticus uses a supernatural curse to cast queer desire as a deadly threat in a small-town setting, following Naim and Ryan as their secret romance collides with a conversion-therapy ritual and a malevolent manifestation that only appears when they’re alone. The film blends It Follows style dread with a haunting romance, delivering sharp social commentary on homophobia without resorting to easy stereotypes, anchored by solid performances from Joe Bird, Stacy Clausen, and Mia Wasikowska. At 86 minutes it moves briskly, though the final stretch tightens its grip with a bold, bittersweet ending underscored by a Frank Ocean track, making Leviticus a standout Sundance entry seeking distribution.