Story perspectives

Neon Releases “Leviticus” Horror Film After Sundance Debut

6/23/2026

Summary

Neon Releases Leviticus

U.S. theaters began showing the Neon-distributed horror film Leviticus on June 19, 2026.
Neon bought the film in a seven-figure deal after it premiered at Sundance in January 2026, scheduling a summer run that includes South by Southwest and the Overlook Film Festival.
Director Adrian Chiarella based the script on conversion-therapy testimonies, using escape-room and snake activities to build chemistry between leads, whose secret relationship summons a shape-shifting demon.

Summary

Murray Criticizes Film

Christian apologist Abdu Murray called the film an attack on Christianity.
Director Adrian Chiarella said the film, set in a small Australian town, critiques homophobia through an exorcism-style conversion-therapy ritual led by an elderly pastor.
Murray cited the U.S. Supreme Court’s 8-1 March 2026 ruling that Colorado’s conversion-therapy ban was overly broad and said counselor Kaley Chiles reported the law stopped her from offering voluntary faith-based counseling on gender dysphoria.

History

Historical Context

Romer v. Evans (1996) struck down Colorado’s 1992 Amendment 2, ending a statewide ban on gay-protective ordinances and prompting a cultural backlash that still shapes media. Decades later, Neon bought the conversion-therapy horror film Leviticus at Sundance for $1.2 million, illustrating how the precedent continues to influence film distribution and legal battles over faith-based counseling.

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Neon Releases Leviticus

U.S. theaters began showing the Neon-distributed horror film Leviticus on June 19, 2026.
Neon bought the film in a seven-figure deal after it premiered at Sundance in January 2026, scheduling a summer run that includes South by Southwest and the Overlook Film Festival.
Director Adrian Chiarella based the script on conversion-therapy testimonies, using escape-room and snake activities to build chemistry between leads, whose secret relationship summons a shape-shifting demon.

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