Two teenage boys must escape a violent entity that takes the form of the person they desire most - each other.
(C) Neon
Ah yes, real-life horror. Conversion therapy is already a harrowing issue for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Fascinatingly enough, incorporating it into a horror setting may just be the perfect way to depict it, as Leviticus succeeds in instilling genuine fear in its audience.
Writer-director Adrian Chiarella has a great concept here. In horror, audiences are often introduced to the rules of the world and must gradually get used to them while being convinced they make sense within the film’s reality. Fortunately, Chiarella succeeds on both fronts. The rules are both believable and terrifying, and the film never overstays its welcome. Clocking in at around 88 minutes, Leviticus feels complete in what it wants to say.
Speaking of what it has to say, the film is essentially a coming-of-age romance infused with horror elements. It follows two teenagers navigating life within a religious community. Joe Bird and Stacy Clausen make us root for their characters, and their chemistry is palpable, making the story’s unfolding events even more terrifying. Meanwhile, Mia Wasikowska does a solid job portraying a character you’ll love to hate.
Hallelujah, Leviticus is horror done right: a believable premise, frightening circumstances, and characters worth rooting for. And yes, let’s support the increased usage of buses. 4/5
