In a crowded year for standout horror films, Leviticus still manages to be something special. Writer/director Adrian Chiarella’s intense, emotionally raw film centers on two queer teenage boys trying to escape a violent entity that takes the form of the people they desire most: each other. While they attempt to survive this evil force, they must do so in a homophobic, fundamentalist society that fears, hates, and seeks to convert them.
Leviticus is both a passionate queer love story, and the kind of horror that keeps you breathless and on the edge of your seat. I saw the film at its premiere at Sundance, and was blown away by Chiarella’s smooth direction, and the performance of the film’s stars, Joe Bird and Stacy Clausen.
Also, it struck me as such a smart way to examine what it means to be LGBTQ in the world we live in right now, when the queer community is again under constant assault. What a nightmare that must be to live in, and Leviticus captures that in a way that will resonate with many who are living that experience.
I had the good fortune to speak with Adrian Chiarella and Joe Bird about Leviticus. Immediately, it’s clear how much these two liked working together as they had nothing but praise. We talked about the reasons why Chiarella made this film right now, and what it means to be opening at a time like this. Bird talked about his chemistry with Clausen, how they became fast friends on set, and how he prepared for the emotional vulnerability of his character, Naim.
Leviticus is in theaters now! Check out the interview below, and be sure to Like and Subscribe!
