Leviticus

Adrian Chiarella's Leviticus arrives in mid-2026 as a harrowing blend of supernatural horror and queer romance. Set against the stark, sun-bleached landscapes of rural Australia, the film follows Naim Reid, a young gay man trying to rebuild his life after escaping a restrictive past. His reunion with an old flame, Ryan Whelan, sparks a desperate intimacy that quickly attracts a demonic entity feeding on their repressed shame.

The narrative transforms into a searing critique of religious trauma when Rod, a self-styled deliverance healer played by Nicholas Hope, attempts to perform conversion therapy on Naim. This spiritual intervention inadvertently invites the very evil he seeks to destroy into their home. The story unfolds as a claustrophobic nightmare where the line between psychological breakdown and supernatural assault blurs, forcing the protagonists to confront the pain they have internalized. [edit]

The story opens in the isolated Australian countryside where Naim Reid has moved in with his mother Arlene and her partner Rod. Naim is still healing from years of suppression, but his attempt at a normal life is interrupted by the return of Ryan Whelan. Their connection is immediate and electric, driven by a shared history and a desperate need for validation. Yet, the atmosphere shifts almost instantly after their first night together. Naim begins experiencing terrifying visions and physical manifestations that suggest something malevolent has taken hold.

This entity does not hunt like a traditional monster; it seduces. It preys specifically on the forbidden desires and deep-seated shame that Naim and Ryan have been forced to hide due to societal pressure. The demon's presence becomes inextricably linked to Rod's efforts to "heal" Naim through conversion therapy. As Rod conducts increasingly violent spiritual interventions, the household transforms into a prison of fear. The supporting cast, including community members like Izzie and Hunter, adds layers of judgment and scrutiny that amplify Naim's isolation.

The tension escalates as the demon manifests in twisted forms reflecting the characters' deepest fears. Naim and Ryan find themselves trapped in a cycle where their love acts as a beacon for the entity. The film maintains a relentless pace, using atmospheric cinematography and a haunting score to keep viewers on edge. Every scene builds toward a breaking point where the protagonists must choose between surrendering to the demon's promise of freedom through destruction or finding a way to survive without losing their identities.

As the supernatural assault intensifies, the narrative explores the toxicity of religious dogma and the power of love in the face of existential terror. The demon grows stronger, fueled by the fear and guilt instilled by the healing process. Naim and Ryan realize that the only path forward involves embracing the parts of themselves they have been taught to hate. The story refuses to offer easy answers, leaving the audience in suspense regarding whether their love can truly save them or if the demon will consume them entirely before the final curtain falls.[edit]