TL;DR
- Adrian Chiarella’s film ‘Leviticus’ explores conversion therapy.
- The horror film features a supernatural entity representing trauma.
- It resonates with both LGBTQ and straight audiences.
- The film aims to bridge gaps in understanding.
- Chiarella draws from personal experiences in religious schooling.
Hold onto your seats, horror fans, because Adrian Chiarella’s new film, Leviticus, is about to take you on a terrifying journey through the dark underbelly of conversion therapy. Named after the Old Testament scripture often wielded as a weapon against the LGBTQ+ community, this film is not just another gay horror flick; it’s a chilling exploration of trauma that resonates universally.
Set in Australia, Leviticus follows two small-town teenagers, Naim (played by Joe Bird) and Ryan (Stacy Clausen), whose innocent romance ignites the ire of their conservative community. When their parents subject them to a twisted “cleansing” ritual led by a dubious preacher, the boys become targets of a shapeshifting entity that embodies their deepest fears — and takes the form of each other. Talk about a nightmare!
Chiarella, who has a background steeped in personal experience with religious schooling, has crafted a narrative that transcends the typical boundaries of the horror genre. “I can’t point to anything specifically, but I did experience a lot of homophobia growing up,” he admits. The film’s horror elements are not just for shock value; they serve as a metaphor for the very real struggles faced by LGBTQ+ youth.
As the film gears up for its theatrical release, Chiarella emphasizes that Leviticus is meant for everyone. “One of the best compliments I’ve received is from viewers outside the LGBTQ community who say they connected with the story on a personal level,” he shares. The film’s themes of love, acceptance, and the fight against parental rejection are universal, making it a must-see for all audiences.
But let’s not sugarcoat it; the horror is real. Chiarella conducted extensive research into conversion therapy practices worldwide, uncovering disturbing stories that would make anyone’s skin crawl. From exorcisms to bizarre rituals, the imagery he encountered reinforced his belief that horror was the perfect lens through which to tell this story.
“There are people out there who would probably do something like this, and already do something in the real world that is in a similar direction to what this curse is,” he reflects. This chilling reality underscores the importance of Leviticus in today’s social climate, where the fight for LGBTQ+ rights continues to be a pressing issue.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/WXuK0vlFxII?rel=0
The film’s release comes at a time when queer narratives are still often marginalized in mainstream media. Chiarella aims to change that perception, stating, “Everyone should be able to relate to this and go see it.” With its gripping story and relatable themes, Leviticus promises to be more than just a horror film; it’s a call to empathy and understanding.
So, whether you’re a horror aficionado or just someone looking for a compelling story, mark your calendars for June 19. Leviticus is set to hit theaters, and trust us, you won’t want to miss this spine-tingling exploration of love, fear, and the horrors of conversion therapy.