Story perspectives

Leviticus Horror Debuts in Australia, Condemns Conversion Therapy

6/19/2026

Summary

Chiarella Condemns Conversion

Leviticus opened in Australian theaters on June 19, 2026.
Director Adrian Chiarella wrote and directed the film, co-produced by Causeway Films and distributed by NEON.
It follows teens Naim and Ryan in a rural town where a conversion-therapy exorcism summons a demon mimicking their loved one.
Chiarella said the film, inspired by recent LGBTQIA+ rights setbacks, uses horror to condemn conversion therapy.

Summary

Film Subverts Curse

The film portrays sexual desire as an internal monster, rendering queer love both transcendent and terrifying.
It depicts closeted teenagers’ guilt over “sinful” sexuality as a supernatural curse that weaponizes their fear.
By giving the demonic entity weaknesses, the story subverts the “bury your gays” trope and suggests hope.
Adult characters appear useless or complicit, emphasizing the teens’ isolation while LGBTQIA+ adults may find the movie cathartic.

History

Historical Context

In 1973 the American Psychiatric Association voted to delete homosexuality from DSM-II, ending its mental-disorder label after protests by activists like Frank Kameny and Dr. John Fryer, who noted over 100 gay psychiatrists hid their orientation. The shift enabled today's films such as Australia’s *Leviticus* to expose lingering ongoing conversion-therapy abuse.

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Chiarella Condemns Conversion

Leviticus opened in Australian theaters on June 19, 2026.
Director Adrian Chiarella wrote and directed the film, co-produced by Causeway Films and distributed by NEON.
It follows teens Naim and Ryan in a rural town where a conversion-therapy exorcism summons a demon mimicking their loved one.
Chiarella said the film, inspired by recent LGBTQIA+ rights setbacks, uses horror to condemn conversion therapy.

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