Content warning: Light spoilers for the film and discussions of conversion therapy.
Leviticus, directed by Adrian Chiarella, is a masterful entry into the horror genre, arriving during a summer in which horror films have dominated the domestic box office. While I doubt this film will make the same dent at the box office as other horror hits such as Obsession and Backrooms, it should be a major contender during the upcoming awards season. If not for the acting, then certainly for the artistry and craftsmanship on display in its cinematography. The fact that Neon acquired this low-budget Australian film so quickly following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and gave it a wide release indicates it has all the elements of a strong awards campaign.
The film is eerie, chilling, and at times difficult to watch. It also contains one of the most effective jump scares I have encountered in a very long time. Beneath the horror elements, however, is a vivid, albeit symbolic, commentary on conversion therapy.
In the film, lead characters Ryan and Naim are both gay and fall in love with one another. Because they were raised in a fundamentalist religious community, their relationship cannot be accepted. An exorcist is ultimately brought in by Naim’s mother, played by Mia Wasikowska. Unfortunately, the intervention results in an evil entity taking hold of both characters, effectively turning them against each other.
What follows is another masterclass in horror filmmaking that will undoubtedly unsettle audiences—not simply because it is a horror film, but because of the underlying message it confronts: the belief that being LGBTQ+ is demonic.
As someone who has spent the past decade tracking the religious movements that demonize LGBTQ+ people in both the United States and abroad, I can say this film is a remarkably accurate depiction of the independent charismatic worship communities that increasingly dominate the religious right in America. These groups believe they are a righteous and specially chosen people, called by God to fight a cosmic battle between the forces of good and evil.
In their worldview, anyone who is not straight or cisgender is possessed by demons. These are the same demons they believe poison the minds of those who reject their God or fail to embrace the rigid theological positions they hold.
The film’s ending is realistic, disturbing, and heartfelt. In the final scene, Naim has one last encounter with the evil entity. Without saying a single word, he conveys a simple but powerful message: “I don’t know her.”
I would strongly recommend seeing this one in theaters if you can.