Leviticus, an Australian horror film, is a powerful exploration of homophobia and the power of queer love. Directed by Adrian Chiarella, the film has sparked a bidding war at the Sundance Film Festival and is now preparing for international release. The story follows 17-year-old Naim, whose world shifts when he kisses schoolmate Ryan. After a run-in with a conversion therapy preacher, the boys are haunted by a demon that takes the form of whoever they desire most - each other. The film is a meditation on the horrors of homophobia and the power of queer love, and it has been praised for its emotional ambition and its ability to move people on a personal level. The film's final moments are soundtracked by Frank Ocean, one of the most influential queer artists of his generation. The film has also sparked a discussion about the 'bury your gays' trope, which sees queer characters killed off or denied happy endings. Chiarella says he was deliberate about where he wanted audiences to land, and he didn't want to land in the 'bury your gays' trope. Instead, he wanted to explore homophobia as a type of fear and to bring the truth of the love story between the characters to the film's ending. The film has been well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it has inspired other people to do their own creative work. Chiarella says he wishes the film had existed when he was younger, and he hopes it will have a lasting impact on people's lives.
