‘Leviticus’ (2026) Trailer: Queer Horror Romance This Summer

If someone pitched It Follows (2014) mixed with a forbidden teen romance, it might sound like a shortcut. Somehow, Leviticus (2026) turns that idea into something far more disturbing, emotional, and memorable. After setting Sundance 2026 on edge, writer-director Adrian Chiarella’s feature debut is heading to cinemas this summer courtesy of Neon.

Much like It Follows did when it emerged from Cannes, Leviticus announces a striking new voice in horror. The Australian filmmaker crafts a sexually charged, nerve-shredding story that feels both intimate and relentless. The film stars Stacy Clausen and Joe Bird as two teenage boys in a deeply conservative small town, whose growing attraction becomes entangled with a violent, shape-shifting entity that takes the form of the person they desire most — in this case, each other.

The terror is rooted in religion. Naim (Bird) has just moved with his mother to a repressed suburb dominated by a powerful church. His mother is played by Mia Wasikowska, delivering another quietly devastating performance as she continues her slow return to screens after stepping away from Hollywood. The church offers a so-called “deliverance” ceremony, unsettlingly close to conversion therapy, which appears to be the source of the curse now haunting Ryan (Clausen). Once Naim and Ryan’s relationship deepens, the entity inevitably turns its attention to Naim as well.

The scares hit hard, but what truly anchors Leviticus (2026) is its romantic core. The film weaponises intimacy, forcing the audience to question identity, trust, and desire as the line between lover and monster starts to blur. It’s the kind of horror that devastates you emotionally before it terrifies you physically.

Speaking at Sundance, Chiarella explained his intentions clearly:

“This is a horror movie, and horror has always been shaped by queer writers for queer audiences. This is a film about two boys who fall in love, the community that tries to erase that feeling, and the curse they unintentionally unleash.”

That perspective bleeds through every frame.

Neon will release Leviticus (2026) in cinemas from 19th June 2026.

Check out the trailer below.