Get ready to dive into a cinematic storm—Neon, the powerhouse indie label behind Oscar-winner Parasite and the critically acclaimed Anora, is making waves at this year’s Sundance Film Festival by snapping up Leviticus, a chilling horror film that tackles the dark and divisive world of conversion therapy. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the film is already generating buzz, its bold subject matter is sure to spark heated debates about representation, morality, and the line between horror and reality. And this is the part most people miss—Leviticus isn’t just a scare-fest; it’s a poignant exploration of identity and desire, wrapped in a supernatural thriller that critics are already hailing as a game-changer.
The deal, rumored to be in the seven-figure range, marks one of the festival’s first major acquisitions, though it’s not yet finalized. Directed by Adrian Chiarella in his feature debut, Leviticus follows two star-crossed teenage boys who must outrun a malevolent force that manifests as the person they desire most—each other. Starring Joe Bird, Stacy Clausen, Jeremy Blewitt, and Ewen Leslie, the film premiered in the midnight section, instantly becoming a festival standout. The Guardian praised it as a towering achievement in the crowded genres of trauma horror, curse horror, and queer horror, while Indiewire drew comparisons to cult favorites like Heated Rivalry and It Follows, calling it the hybrid we never knew we needed.
Here’s the twist: While Leviticus is turning heads, the Sundance sales market has been unusually slow this year. But as studio executives pack up and leave Park City, things are finally heating up. Olivia Wilde’s The Invite has ignited a bidding war between A24 and Focus Features, and films like Wicker (also starring Wilde) and Josephine (with Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan) are drawing significant interest. Yet, studios remain cautious—the indie box office is struggling, and many Sundance darlings fail to resonate with mainstream audiences once they hit theaters. Will Leviticus break the mold? Only time will tell.
WME Independent is handling the sale of Leviticus, and with its unique blend of horror, heart, and social commentary, it’s poised to be one of the year’s most talked-about films. But here’s the question we’re all asking: Can a film this bold and unapologetic transcend its festival hype and connect with a broader audience? Or will it remain a niche favorite, celebrated by critics but overlooked by the masses? Let us know what you think in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
