2026’s Most Terrifying, Best-Reviewed Horror Movie Is Almost Here

Adrian Chiarella’s new horror film Leviticus is already making a strong impression with critics before its wide theatrical release. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds a 95% Certified Fresh score based on 41 reviews, placing it among the best-reviewed horror releases of 2026 so far.

The Australian supernatural horror movie first premiered on January 23 at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where it screened in the festival’s Midnight section. Following its festival debut, the film quickly attracted attention from horror fans and critics alike. It is scheduled to open in Australian cinemas on June 18 and will begin its theatrical release in other markets on June 19.

Written and directed by Adrian Chiarella, Leviticus tells the story of two teenage boys who find themselves hunted by a violent supernatural force. The terrifying entity takes the shape of the person each of them desires most, forcing the pair into a frightening fight for survival while also confronting their feelings for one another.

Joe Bird leads the cast as Naim, alongside Stacy Clausen as Ryan. The film also features Mia Wasikowska as Arlene, Naim’s mother. Wasikowska additionally serves as an executive producer on the project. Other cast members include Jeremy Blewitt, Ewen Leslie, Davida McKenzie, Nicholas Hope, Zamira Newman, and Edwina Wren.

Early reviews have praised both the film’s horror elements and its emotional storytelling. Critics have highlighted the performances, particularly those of Joe Bird and Stacy Clausen, while also pointing to the film’s exploration of queer themes.

Writing for Mama’s Geeky, Tessa Smith described the movie as “A brilliant horror film that delivers equal parts terrifying scares and heartbreaking, emotional moments.”

Will Bjarnar of InSession Film gave the movie a B+ rating and wrote, “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 was especially enthusiastic about the film, calling it “The most heartbreaking horror film of the year. A queer nightmare brought horrifyingly to life.”

Damien Straker of Impulse Gamer awarded the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and praised 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 singled out the cast, writing, “Leviticus is painfully good. Joe Bird adds another stellar performance to his genre resume but Stacy Clausen is bewitching as he steals this film.”

Meanwhile, Jason Adams of Pajiba called the movie “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 reactions from critics, Leviticus has quickly become one of the most talked-about horror films of the year. Audiences will soon have the chance to decide for themselves when the film arrives in theaters later this month.

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