From Australia comes a horror film that examines the negative impact of Christianity on a community and its children. Written and directed by Adrian Chiarella, Leviticus focuses on a small Australian community of devout Christians, some of whose teenage inhabitants clash with their parents over behavior their parents deem evil or unholy. Desperate to convert their children to lives they believe to be in line with their beliefs, they look to a “Deliverance Healer” who they think will cure their children of what is ailing them.
Joe Bird stars as Naim, a gay teenage boy attracted to classmate Ryan (Stacy Clausen). The attraction is definitely mutual, and after spending some time together, Naim and Ryan definitely share a romantic connection. However, Ryan is caught by Naim connecting with the pastor’s son of his church. Naim, who is obviously hurt by his discovery, reports it to his mother, Arlene (Mia Wasikowska), who then reveals it to her pastor. What results is a bizarre and frightening ritual with a conversion that makes things much worse.
Though the writing and story need some further development, the impact of this film is still undeniable. I was totally compelled and moved by this story, and was disturbed by how religion can take things way too far. Though I was already aware of this problem within Christianity, I cannot say I have ever witnessed it in such a frightening and disturbing way.
The film uses supernatural elements to prove its point, and it is mostly effective. The teen characters are mostly likable and relatable, and it is utterly disturbing that their loving parents would go to such extreme measures to have their sons conform to what they believe is the proper path in life. If a parent is willing to let their child die for the sake of confirming their beliefs is what I found most frightening.
I highly recommend Leviticus because I believe it has an important message that a lot of people need to acknowledge, and it is an essential message that these same people fail to recognize.