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Australian Queer Horror Leviticus Premieres at Sundance, Sets June Theatrical Release
The Australian supernatural horror film Leviticus burst onto the Midnight lineup at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 23, instantly drawing attention for its daring mix of queer storytelling and psychological terror.
Written and directed by debut feature‑maker Adrian Chiarella, the film follows two gay teenagers—Naim and Ryan—whose budding romance is shattered when a violent supernatural entity takes on the shape of each boy’s deepest desire. The narrative interrogates identity, love, and fear while foregrounding the impact of homophobic religious practices, a topic Chiarella has called a form of “queer social horror.” He has stated that the premise is rooted in real‑world experiences with conversion therapy.
Joe Bird and Stacy Clausen lead the cast as Naim and Ryan, respectively. Bird, who earned critical notice for Talk to Me (2022), and Clausen, known for Crazy Fun Park, bring a fresh generational perspective to the story. Mia Wasikowska appears as Naim’s mother, Arlene, and also serves as an executive producer. Supporting performances include Jeremy Blewitt, Ewen Leslie, Davida McKenzie, Nicholas Hope, and Zamira Newman.
A trailer released in late April—first on YouTube on April 22 and later on other platforms—offered a glimpse of the film’s tense atmosphere. The footage shows the entity manifesting as the characters’ deepest desires, a visual motif that critics have likened to the dread‑laden styles of It Follows and The Witch. Neon, the distributor that secured international rights after the Sundance screening, coordinated the trailer’s release.
Production was handled by Causeway Films with financial backing from Screen Australia and VicScreen. The Australian theatrical release is slated for June 18, 2026, with international roll‑outs to follow once Neon finalizes its distribution plan.
By centering queer identity and the horror of conversion practices, Leviticus has positioned itself as a significant entry in contemporary Australian cinema. Industry observers note that the film adds to a growing, though still limited, body of queer horror that tackles social issues through supernatural storytelling.
Neon announced its acquisition of Leviticus shortly after the Sundance premiere, highlighting the film’s potential to resonate with audiences craving both genre thrills and socially relevant narratives. While the company has yet to detail a global release schedule, the festival debut has secured a platform for broader exposure.
Adrian Chiarella, a graduate of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, previously worked on short films and television, including an award‑winning episode of SBS’s Erotic Stories that earned an AWGIE in 2025. Leviticus marks his transition to feature‑length storytelling.
The release strategy reflects a broader trend of Australian genre films gaining international attention through festival circuits and independent distributors. Leviticus’s blend of queer representation, supernatural horror, and social commentary aligns with current audience interests in diverse narratives.
As the Australian theatrical window approaches, analysts anticipate that Leviticus will attract viewers drawn to both horror and LGBTQ+ cinema. Its performance will likely be measured against similar independent releases that have found success in niche markets.
In sum, Leviticus has emerged as a noteworthy addition to the 2026 horror landscape. With a confirmed Australian release date of June 18 and Neon as its international distributor, the film is poised to reach audiences beyond its domestic debut. Its exploration of queer identity, supernatural dread, and the legacy of conversion therapy positions it as a culturally relevant work that may influence future queer horror projects.
Written and directed by debut feature‑maker Adrian Chiarella, the film follows two gay teenagers—Naim and Ryan—whose budding romance is shattered when a violent supernatural entity takes on the shape of each boy’s deepest desire. The narrative interrogates identity, love, and fear while foregrounding the impact of homophobic religious practices, a topic Chiarella has called a form of “queer social horror.” He has stated that the premise is rooted in real‑world experiences with conversion therapy.
Joe Bird and Stacy Clausen lead the cast as Naim and Ryan, respectively. Bird, who earned critical notice for Talk to Me (2022), and Clausen, known for Crazy Fun Park, bring a fresh generational perspective to the story. Mia Wasikowska appears as Naim’s mother, Arlene, and also serves as an executive producer. Supporting performances include Jeremy Blewitt, Ewen Leslie, Davida McKenzie, Nicholas Hope, and Zamira Newman.
A trailer released in late April—first on YouTube on April 22 and later on other platforms—offered a glimpse of the film’s tense atmosphere. The footage shows the entity manifesting as the characters’ deepest desires, a visual motif that critics have likened to the dread‑laden styles of It Follows and The Witch. Neon, the distributor that secured international rights after the Sundance screening, coordinated the trailer’s release.
Production was handled by Causeway Films with financial backing from Screen Australia and VicScreen. The Australian theatrical release is slated for June 18, 2026, with international roll‑outs to follow once Neon finalizes its distribution plan.
By centering queer identity and the horror of conversion practices, Leviticus has positioned itself as a significant entry in contemporary Australian cinema. Industry observers note that the film adds to a growing, though still limited, body of queer horror that tackles social issues through supernatural storytelling.
Neon announced its acquisition of Leviticus shortly after the Sundance premiere, highlighting the film’s potential to resonate with audiences craving both genre thrills and socially relevant narratives. While the company has yet to detail a global release schedule, the festival debut has secured a platform for broader exposure.
Adrian Chiarella, a graduate of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, previously worked on short films and television, including an award‑winning episode of SBS’s Erotic Stories that earned an AWGIE in 2025. Leviticus marks his transition to feature‑length storytelling.
The release strategy reflects a broader trend of Australian genre films gaining international attention through festival circuits and independent distributors. Leviticus’s blend of queer representation, supernatural horror, and social commentary aligns with current audience interests in diverse narratives.
As the Australian theatrical window approaches, analysts anticipate that Leviticus will attract viewers drawn to both horror and LGBTQ+ cinema. Its performance will likely be measured against similar independent releases that have found success in niche markets.
In sum, Leviticus has emerged as a noteworthy addition to the 2026 horror landscape. With a confirmed Australian release date of June 18 and Neon as its international distributor, the film is poised to reach audiences beyond its domestic debut. Its exploration of queer identity, supernatural dread, and the legacy of conversion therapy positions it as a culturally relevant work that may influence future queer horror projects.
