‘Leviticus’ Trailer: Neon’s Queer Horror Breakout Promises Desire, Fear, and Something Much Darker
We finally have the Leviticus trailer, and if the buzz coming out of Sundance back in January had us curious, this first look has us completely hooked. Neon has unveiled the trailer for Leviticus, the highly anticipated LGBTQ+ horror film that’s already sparked conversation for the way it blends queer desire with something far more sinister.
At the center of Leviticus are Naim (Joe Bird) and Ryan (Stacy Clausen), two teenage boys navigating life in a small, desolate Australian town shaped by a strict Christian community. Their connection feels immediate and intimate, like a quiet rebellion against everything around them. But as the story unfolds, that bond becomes the very thing that puts them in danger. The film’s haunting premise revolves around a violent entity that takes the form of the person they desire most—each other—turning longing into something terrifyingly literal.
The trailer wastes no time pulling us into their world. We’re introduced to Naim and Ryan in moments that feel almost tender: smoking together in an abandoned space, walking through empty streets, and finding brief pockets of joy in an otherwise suffocating environment. There’s a softness there that feels distinctly queer: fleeting, fragile, and deeply meaningful. But just as quickly, the mood shifts.
Religious overtones creep in through ominous sermons condemning desire and “indecency,” hinting at a conversion therapy-like setting that hangs over the boys’ lives. What follows is a series of chilling glimpses: warnings not to trust what looks familiar, flashes of violence, and a growing sense that something is deeply wrong. Moments of intimacy twist into aggression, and the line between love and fear begins to blur in ways that feel both horrifying and heartbreakingly real.
Without giving too much away, the Leviticus trailer suggests a film that uses horror not just for scares, but as a lens to explore repression, shame, and the consequences of denying queer identity. It’s the kind of story that feels as emotionally charged as it is terrifying, and that balance is exactly what has us so intrigued.
Directed by Adrian Chiarella in his feature debut, Leviticus premiered in the Midnight section at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where it quickly became one of the most talked-about titles. Neon acquired the film in a reported seven-figure deal, signaling major confidence in its impact. The cast also includes Mia Wasikowska as Naim’s emotionally stunted mother, alongside Jeremy Blewitt, Ewen Leslie, and Davida McKenzie. The film is produced by A Causeway Films and Salmira Productions, with a team that clearly understands how to deliver bold, boundary-pushing storytelling.
Now that we’ve gotten a taste of what’s to come, we’re equal parts excited and terrified to see how it all unfolds. Watch the Leviticus Trailer below and see for yourself.
As for us, we already know where we’ll be on June 19… sitting in a dark theater, popcorn in hand, ready to scream, gasp, and maybe even get a little emotional as we quietly root for Naim and Ryan to make it out the other side, safe, seen, and still holding onto each other.
Leviticus will premiere in theaters on June 19. Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff!
Featured Image: Image Courtesy of NEON.
