2026’s Best-Reviewed Horror Movie ‘Leviticus’ Set for Theatrical Release
Adrian Chiarella’s upcoming horror film ‘Leviticus’ is already making waves with critics ahead of its wide theatrical release. Currently, the film boasts a 95% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 41 reviews, positioning it among the best-reviewed horror films of 2026 thus far.
This Australian supernatural horror flick first premiered on January 23 at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, screening in the festival’s Midnight section. Following its debut, ‘Leviticus’ garnered significant attention from both horror enthusiasts and critics. It is set to hit Australian cinemas on June 18, with a theatrical release in other markets beginning on June 19.
Written and directed by Adrian Chiarella, ‘Leviticus’ follows two teenage boys who find themselves pursued by a menacing supernatural force. This terrifying entity manifests as the person each boy desires most, thrusting them into a harrowing struggle for survival while they also confront their feelings for one another.
Joe Bird stars as Naim, with Stacy Clausen portraying Ryan. The cast also includes Mia Wasikowska as Arlene, Naim’s mother, who serves as an executive producer on the project. Additional cast members are Jeremy Blewitt, Ewen Leslie, Davida McKenzie, Nicholas Hope, Zamira Newman, and Edwina Wren.
Early reviews have lauded the film’s horror elements alongside its emotional depth. Critics have particularly highlighted the performances of Joe Bird and Stacy Clausen, as well as the film’s exploration of queer themes.
Tessa Smith from Mama’s Geeky described ‘Leviticus’ as “A brilliant horror film that delivers equal parts terrifying scares and heartbreaking, emotional moments.”
Will Bjarnar of InSession Film rated the film a B+, stating, “If we’re to take anything from ‘Leviticus’, it shouldn’t be that these stories share commonalities, but that they each carry their own value and exercise such in ways that touch audiences new and seasoned to the form.”
EJ Moreno expressed enthusiasm for the film, calling it “The most heartbreaking horror film of the year. A queer nightmare brought horrifyingly to life.”
Damien Straker from Impulse Gamer awarded ‘Leviticus’ 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising its concept and lead performance, describing it as “A successful queer horror thriller, elevated by a clever story concept and Joe Bird’s emotional performance.”
Sharai Bohannon from A Nightmare On Fierce Street Podcast also commended the cast, stating, “’Leviticus’ is painfully good. Joe Bird adds another stellar performance to his genre resume but Stacy Clausen is bewitching as he steals this film.”
Jason Adams of Pajiba referred to the film as “An immediate queer horror classic… emotionally raw and deeply creepy… Mia Wasikowska in another small stunner of a performance.”
With a strong Rotten Tomatoes score and enthusiastic critical responses, ‘Leviticus’ has quickly become one of the most anticipated horror films of the year. Audiences will soon have the opportunity to experience it for themselves when it arrives in theaters later this month.
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