The Wasteland Reviewer

Leviticus (2026) Written Review

What is one of the most terrifying forces that is destroying humanity and causing widespread fear? Hate. Unfortunately, hate comes in many forms and targets many different types of people. One of the most prominent forms of hate today is homophobia. Unfortunately, the sexual attraction that someone experiences is the root of so much hate. The fear that some people have for queer individuals manifests in some of the most twisted and dangerous ways. The great lengths that religious individuals will go to “fix” and “protect” their queer children is quite frightening and devastating. Writer/director Adrian Chiarella tackles this horrific situation in his new horror film out of Australia, Leviticus.

Ns How does Chiarella leverage homophobia and conversion therapy into an allegorical horror film? Honestly, conversion therapy is terrifying but seeing young individuals being stalked by an entity in the form of the person they desire most is even more terrifying. Leviticus drops the audience right into the story of Naim and Ryan who are two young Australian men whose day hanging out leads to a more physical expression of their connection. We immediately understand that this is a concerning revelation of feelings when the film highlights the deeply religious and conservative community that both young men are a part of. The film focuses on Naim and his journey as he betrays Ryan out of jealousy which leads to a strange and mysterious ceremony that unleashes this terrifying entity. The entity is quite terrifying as it is unrelenting, violent, and displayed in terrifying ways (especially when it is invisible through the perspective of a non-haunted character. One of the challenges of the film that undermines the effectiveness is the inconsistent rules of the entity (it is supposed to attack whenever a character is alone but seems to only do this for dramatic effect). The film is a lean experience and feels like it could have dug deeper into the situation (but it is hard to argue with the refreshingly lean 88-minute runtime. Naim and Ryan are well fleshed out and Naim’s mother turns out to be quite the horrifying character. Unfortunately, the film does lose a bit of its bite when the script begins to overly explain some elements of the experience.

How does Chiarella bring the film to life from behind the camera? From the opening scene, the audience is treated to inspired visuals, a deeply unsettling mystery, and some true brutality. Tyson Perkins, the cinematographer, balances some sharply framed shots that are haunting with some intensely affecting close-ups that come to life with some intimate hand-held camera work. Perkins works well with Chiarella to build mystery (especially when the film has a mostly invisible specter) through perfectly framed shots that leverage obscured views as well as some sharp editing (from editor Nick Fenton). The film also has quite an unnerving atmosphere. Chiarella leverages the isolation of this desert community to great effect as well as some dilapidated structures that are just creepy to begin with. The music (from composer Jed Kurzel) is at times eerie and deeply affects at other times. The film is deeply intense with physical intimate moments (especially one between Naim and Ryan in the back of a bus) as well as how violence is used to show connection between these young men. The sound design is a key piece to making that violence feel so visceral. This is also that type of film that will not shy away from blood (there are some shocking moments that will certainly impact you throughout this film). Chiarella delivers a fast-paced and fully engrossing film that is quite an experience for only 88 minutes.

How do the performances elevate Chiarella’s film? Joe Bird is a revelation in this film. Naim is a shut-in young man, and Bird expresses so much through his facial expressions and his physicality. Leviticus is a raw and emotional experience and Bird is saddled with so many moments of deeply emotional expression which stand out so well. Fear is also such an important piece to this haunting experience and Bird captures that fear so well. Stacy Clausen crafts such a unique presence for the character of Ryan. There is an animalistic intensity in this young man. His physicality is so raw and intense that it is no wonder that Bird’s Naim has such a strong attraction. But Clausen also finds the vulnerability and fear to sell such a tragic story like Leviticus. The chemistry between these two young men is fiery and that makes the terror of the film so much more affecting. The rest of the cast is saddled with much smaller roles, but they all bring authenticity to Chiarella’s project. One supporting turn that deserves some attention is Mia Wasikowska as Naim’s mother. This is not a flashy performance but there is something so deeply disturbing and detached. Naim’s mother lacks a natural love that is lacking towards her son despite her saying her actions are for the love of him. There is a moment later in the film that Wasikowska’s performance is so cold and haunting that it just might be more terrifying than the entity in the film.

Is Leviticus another incredible independent horror experience for 2026? You can certainly tell that this is a debut feature for Chiarella whose script shudders at times and over-explains as well. But the concept and two main characters are so rich that they are easier faults to overlook. This is a truly affecting experience that will linger with you for long after the credits roll. The concept is so impressive that it delivers such a visceral cinematic experience. There is something in the water in Australia because there are some killer horror films being exported lately.