Neon Releases Trailer for Leviticus Highlighting a Supernatural Approach to Conversion Therapy Horror

The independent film distributor Neon has officially unveiled the first trailer for Leviticus, a high-concept horror feature that explores the harrowing psychological and physical landscape of conversion therapy through a supernatural lens. The film, which generated significant industry interest following its world premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, represents a stark departure from traditional social dramas by utilizing genre tropes to dissect the trauma associated with institutionalized homophobia. Directed by Adrian Chiarella in his feature debut, Leviticus is scheduled for a wide theatrical release on June 19, positioning it as a major title for the summer season and a significant entry in the growing "queer horror" subgenre.

Narrative Premise and Visual Style

Leviticus centers on Naim, portrayed by Joe Bird, and Ryan, played by Stacy Clausen, two teenagers navigating the oppressive environment of a religious conversion program. The official plot description outlines a "star-crossed" dynamic between the protagonists, who find themselves hunted by a malevolent, shapeshifting entity. This entity possesses the unique and psychologically devastating ability to take the form of the person the victim desires most. In the case of Naim and Ryan, the monster manifests as their counterpart, weaponizing their mutual affection and self-discovery against them.

The trailer suggests a visual palette that emphasizes the isolation of its setting—a desolate Australian town. The cinematography utilizes the vast, empty landscapes to mirror the emotional abandonment felt by the protagonists. The supernatural element serves as a physical manifestation of the shame and fear often instilled by conversion practices, transforming internal struggle into a literal fight for survival. This approach aligns with the "elevated horror" movement, where supernatural threats act as metaphors for complex social or psychological issues.

The Sundance Debut and Acquisition

The journey of Leviticus to the mainstream began in the Midnight section of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. The Midnight program has historically been a launchpad for breakout horror hits, including modern classics such as Hereditary and The Babadook. Leviticus followed this trajectory, earning critical acclaim for its tight pacing and thematic resonance.

Following the premiere, a competitive bidding war ensued among several major independent distributors. Neon eventually secured the North American distribution rights for a price reported to be in the seven-figure range. This significant investment underscores the distributor’s confidence in the film’s commercial potential and its appeal to both genre enthusiasts and arthouse audiences. Neon has a proven track record of identifying high-quality genre films at festivals, having previously handled the distribution of Academy Award-winner Parasite, as well as cult horror hits like It Lives Inside and Longlegs.

The acquisition was seen as a strategic move for Neon, which has increasingly focused on films that bridge the gap between high-concept entertainment and social commentary. Industry analysts noted that the seven-figure deal reflects the current market’s appetite for horror films with a distinct "prestige" edge and a clear target demographic.

Critical Reception and Industry Standing

Early reviews for Leviticus have been overwhelmingly positive. Variety designated the film as a "Critic’s Pick" for 2026, praising Adrian Chiarella’s ability to weave a supernatural premise into a narrative that remains grounded in reality. The review described the film as "a tightly conceived, gripping queer horror that reaches for unassuming brilliance." Critics have particularly highlighted the film’s ability to maintain tension while addressing the sensitive subject matter of conversion therapy without descending into exploitation.

Furthermore, the film is already being discussed as a potential staple in the "pantheon of notable queer horror." This subgenre has seen a resurgence in recent years, with films like Knife+Heart, Fear Street, and Bodies Bodies Bodies challenging traditional horror tropes. Leviticus distinguishes itself by focusing specifically on the intersection of faith, identity, and institutional trauma, a theme that has historically been handled through drama rather than horror.

Cast and Production Pedigree

The film features a blend of rising stars and established talent. Joe Bird and Stacy Clausen lead the cast, delivering performances that have been described as both vulnerable and physically demanding. Joining them is Mia Wasikowska, an actress known for her work in Alice in Wonderland and Stoker. Wasikowska portrays Naim’s emotionally stunted mother, a character who embodies the complex familial pressures that lead many youths into conversion programs.

Wasikowska’s involvement extends beyond her on-screen role; she also serves as an executive producer on the project. This dual role highlights her commitment to supporting independent Australian cinema and narratives that challenge societal norms. The supporting cast includes Jeremy Blewitt, Ewen Leslie, and Davida McKenzie, all of whom contribute to the film’s portrayal of a claustrophobic, close-knit Christian community.

The production of Leviticus is a collaboration between A Causeway Films and Salmira Productions. Causeway Films has established a formidable reputation in the horror genre, having produced Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook and the 2023 breakout hit Talk to Me. Their involvement signals a high standard of craft, particularly in the realm of practical effects and atmosphere. The production team includes Samantha Jennings, Kristina Ceyton, and Hannah Ngo, while the executive production roster features Salman Al-Rashid, Sam Frohman, Simmons Frazier, Daniel Negret, Robert Connolly, Liz Kearney, and Dale Roberts.

Thematic Context: Religion and Social Commentary

The film’s title, Leviticus, refers to the third book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. This book contains verses that have historically been interpreted by some religious groups as a condemnation of same-sex relationships. By naming the film after this specific scripture, Chiarella directly addresses the ideological source of the conflict depicted in the movie.

The setting of a "desolate Australian town" adds a layer of geographical isolation to the social isolation of the characters. In many rural communities, the church serves as the central social and moral authority, making any deviation from its teachings a risk for total social ostracization. The film examines how these communities can become breeding grounds for extremist practices when left unchecked by broader societal oversight.

While conversion therapy has been widely discredited by major medical and mental health organizations—including the American Psychological Association and the World Medical Association—it remains legal or under-regulated in various parts of the world. Leviticus joins a small but potent list of films, such as The Miseducation of Cameron Post and Boy Erased, that seek to bring public awareness to the psychological damage caused by these programs. However, by choosing the horror genre, Chiarella reaches an audience that might not typically seek out social-issue dramas, using fear to foster empathy.

Chronology of Development and Release

The development of Leviticus began several years prior to its 2026 debut, with Chiarella working on the script to ensure the supernatural elements did not overshadow the human elements of the story.

• January 2026: Leviticus premieres at the Sundance Film Festival in the Midnight Section. It immediately becomes one of the most talked-about titles of the festival.
• February 2026: Neon wins the bidding war for North American rights, securing a seven-figure deal.
• Spring 2026: The film begins its international festival circuit, appearing at various genre-specific and LGBTQ+ film festivals.
• May 2026: Neon releases the first official teaser and posters, leaning heavily into the "Variety Critic’s Pick" branding.
• June 1, 2026: The full-length trailer is released, providing a deeper look at the supernatural entity and the film’s religious themes.
• June 19, 2026: The film is scheduled for its theatrical debut in North America.

The choice of a June 19 release date is significant. Falling during Pride Month, the release serves as a counter-programming option to mainstream blockbusters, offering a narrative that centers on LGBTQ+ resilience and the confrontation of systemic prejudice.

Implications for the Horror Genre

The success of Leviticus at Sundance and its subsequent high-profile acquisition by Neon suggest a shift in how the industry views "message-driven" horror. For decades, horror was often dismissed as low-brow entertainment. However, the success of films like Get Out and Midsommar has proven that audiences are eager for stories that use the language of fear to discuss racism, grief, and now, religious trauma.

Leviticus is poised to be a landmark film for several reasons. First, it marks the arrival of Adrian Chiarella as a significant new voice in genre filmmaking. Second, it reaffirms the power of Australian horror on the global stage, continuing the momentum built by Causeway Films. Finally, it provides a platform for queer narratives to exist within the framework of a high-stakes supernatural thriller, ensuring that these stories are not just seen as "niche," but as universal explorations of fear and the human condition.

As the film prepares for its June release, it stands as a testament to the evolving nature of the horror genre—one that is increasingly willing to look inward at societal horrors as much as it looks outward at monsters in the dark. For Neon, Leviticus represents another calculated risk on a bold, uncompromising vision that seeks to challenge as much as it seeks to terrify.