Leviticus

In a sleepy regional Victorian town, teen boys Naim (Joe Bird, Talk to Me) and Ryan (Stacy Clausen) form a powerful attraction – a sin in their God-fearing, conservative Christian community. When their budding queer love is discovered, Naim and Ryan are subjected to a radical conversion therapy ritual by a mysterious 'healer' (Nicholas Hope, Bad Boy Bubby). A sinister supernatural entity is thereby released, targeting only the boys and taking the form of what they desire most: each other. The astonishingly clever feature debut of award-winning Australian writer-director Adrian Chiarella (Dwarf Planet), the film melds coming-of-age romance, supernatural queer horror and a touch of It Follows into its chilling curse narrative. The two young leads Bird and Clausen lend a believable chemistry and tenderness to their roles, making their eventual terror all the more palpable. From the producers of Talk to Me, and bolstered by impressive supporting turns from Mia Wasikowska and Ewen Leslie, Leviticus is an electrifying showcase for Australian screen talent, and a worthy new entry in the canon of homegrown horror.