Leviticus is the feature debut of writer-director Adrian Chiarella, and stars Joe Bird (Talk to Me) and Stacy Clausen as two teens that live in a small-town in Australia. Bird plays Naim, the newest boy in town who falls fast and hard for Clausen’s Ryan. However, things take a drastic turn when Naim discovers Ryan with the local preacher’s son, Hunter (Jeremy Blewitt). Driven by jealousy, Naim reveals their secret and the boys are forced into a conversion-therapy ritual.

Ryan and Hunter don’t initially take the ritual seriously, but something suddenly takes them over. Now the boys aren’t just dealing with homophobia from those that are supposed to love them, but an entity that takes on the person you desire the most. Hunter is haunted by an apparition that takes on the form of Ryan, and vice versa. Soon enough, Naim is dealing with the same after his mother (Mia Wasikowska) deems it necessary for him to go through the same ritual. Naim’s mother means to do good by her son, but she too falls victim to misguidance that can come from religion and unfortunately leads Naim to ultimately be hunted by his “crush”, Ryan.

The film is definitely a moody one, with the scares in the atmosphere and isolated environments (although, there is one jump scare!) While it has a creepy atmosphere, Leviticus has a lot of emotion to it. Witnessing Naim and Hunter’s growing love and fear for each other is something both endearing and completely frightening. The boys learn that they have no choice but to stick together, as the entity attacks when the afflicted person is alone, however, this isn’t as simple as it sounds. Conflict undoubtedly presents itself, and Naim and Ryan each face moments where they have no clue if they can trust the person that’s in front of them.

The two leads bring a natural vulnerability to their characters. Bird and Clausen each perfectly capture the awkward tenderness of young love. Before the supernatural threat is presented in the film, the two face the threat of being caught in a world that doesn’t accept them for who they are; they aren’t ever safe, not even with those they should feel safest with, which is truly heartbreaking. Despite the heartbreaking nature of the film, it still leaves room for hope and the power of love.

Neon will release Leviticus on June 19, so definitely check it out when its in theaters!