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Queer Horror Debut Leviticus Wins Praise at Sundance, Seeks U.S. Distribution

Strong festival notices follow its Sundance premiere.

Overview

  • Australian writer-director Adrian Chiarella’s feature debut premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
  • The story follows two teenage boys in a strict church community who are stalked by a shape-shifting presence that appears as a beloved, using horror to examine homophobia and fear.
  • Joe Bird and Stacy Clausen lead the cast as Naim and Ryan, with Mia Wasikowska featured as Naim’s mother.
  • Reviews commend the film’s moody atmosphere and emotional intensity while noting inconsistent rules, some plot holes, and an abrupt ending.
  • Critics single out its craft, praising Tyson Perkins’ cinematography, Emma Bortignon’s sound design, and Jed Kurzel’s score, and the film is currently seeking U.S. distribution.