Leviticus 2026

Leviticus (2026) is an Australian supernatural horror film written and directed by Adrian Chiarella. The story follows two teenage boys, Naim and Ryan, whose growing romantic connection becomes the target of a violent religious ritual. What follows is a terrifying encounter with a shapeshifting entity that takes the form of the person each boy desires most. Starring Joe Bird, Stacy Clausen, Jeremy Blewitt, Ewen Leslie, and Mia Wasikowska, the film combines horror, romance, science fiction, and social commentary. After premiering at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, Leviticus earned strong critical attention for using supernatural horror to explore homophobia, conversion therapy, religious coercion, and queer identity.

Storyline & Plot Analysis

The Leviticus storyline follows Naim and Ryan, two teenage boys who develop a secret relationship in a conservative Australian community. Their connection is discovered, leading members of their community to subject them to a disturbing ritual intended to eliminate their attraction.

Instead of simply changing the boys, the ritual unleashes a malevolent entity. The creature can assume the appearance of the person its victim desires most, turning the boys’ feelings for each other into the source of a terrifying supernatural threat.

The horror works on two levels. On the surface, Naim and Ryan are being hunted by an unpredictable entity. Beneath that, the creature represents the fear, shame, and coercion imposed on people who are told that their identity needs to be changed. The film therefore uses its supernatural premise to examine conversion therapy and the consequences of religious intolerance.

Production Details & Behind-the-Scenes

Adrian Chiarella wrote and directed Leviticus, while Samantha Jennings, Kristina Ceyton, and Hannah Ngo produced the film. The production was backed by Causeway Films and Salmira Productions, companies associated with Australian genre cinema. Tyson Perkins served as cinematographer, Nick Fenton handled editing, and Jed Kurzel composed the original score.

The film’s concept draws from real-world accounts of coercive religious practices and conversion therapy. Chiarella uses that background to turn the traditional exorcism story on its head, making the supernatural threat closely connected to the characters’ emotional experiences. The bleak Australian setting and restrained visual approach add to the feeling of isolation surrounding Naim and Ryan.

Cast & Characters

The Leviticus cast includes:

• Joe Bird as Naim – One of the two teenagers at the center of the story.
• Stacy Clausen as Ryan – Naim’s love interest and fellow target of the supernatural ritual.
• Jeremy Blewitt – A member of the supporting cast connected to the boys’ community.
• Ewen Leslie – A prominent supporting performer within the film’s religious and family conflict.
• Mia Wasikowska – Appears in a key supporting role.
• Davida McKenzie
• Nicholas Hope
• Tyallah Bullock

Joe Bird and Stacy Clausen carry the emotional core of the film, with their relationship giving the horror a personal stake. Mia Wasikowska and Ewen Leslie add veteran presence to the ensemble, helping establish the oppressive environment surrounding the teenagers.

Release Date & Box Office/Reception

Leviticus premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2026, before screening at SXSW and other festivals. It opened theatrically in Australia on June 18, 2026, followed by its U.S. theatrical release on June 19, 2026 through NEON.

The film has performed strongly with critics. Rotten Tomatoes currently lists a 92% critics score, while IMDb lists the movie at approximately 6.8/10. The film has also earned more than $8.3 million worldwide, a notable result for an independently produced Australian horror title.

Where to Watch Leviticus

If you’re searching for where to watch Leviticus, the film is now available digitally following its theatrical release. Rotten Tomatoes lists July 28, 2026 as its streaming release date, while current listings indicate availability through digital services including Prime Video in some markets. Availability can differ by country, so viewers should check their local platform listings before renting or streaming the movie.