"The monster only attacks when victims are alone, reflecting isolation felt by many queer teenagers."
Leviticus Brings Unseen Horror to Sydney Film Festival
During the Sydney Film Festival, actor Joe Bird and director Adrian Chiarella discussed the chilling horror film Leviticus, which premiered at Sundance earlier this year.
The film follows Naim (Bird), a closeted high-school student in a religious community. His jealousy leads him to out two classmates, a betrayal that triggers a vengeful spirit.
Chiarella explained that the film delves into homophobia, including microaggressions and internalized shame, drawing directly from his personal experiences.
Bird noted a key element of the terror: the monster only attacks its victims when they are alone—a metaphor for the profound isolation felt by many queer teenagers.
Produced by Sam Jennings and Kristina Ceyton, the team behind Talk to Me and The Babadook, Leviticus releases in Australian cinemas on June 18.