“Leviticus” Movie Review

The Plot: Two teenage boys must escape a violent entity that takes the form of the person they desire most—each other.

Naim & Ryan

Two passionate teenagers, Naim and Ryan, find themselves deeply in love in a conservative Christian town in Victoria, Australia. Despite the town’s strict values, their feelings for each other are undeniable and intense. They share a profound connection, fully committed to one another, yet they must keep their relationship hidden from everyone, including their families and friends, fearing rejection and judgment.

As they navigate their secret romance, they experience the thrill of young love, filled with stolen moments and whispered confessions. However, the pressure of secrecy weighs heavily on them. One fateful day, Naim witnesses Ryan in a compromising situation that shatters his heart. Overcome with jealousy and hurt, Naim reacts impulsively, leading to a series of events that spiral out of control, forever altering the course of their lives and their relationship.

 The Deliverance Healer Comes Forth

The priest, who claimed to be a “deliverance healer,” was summoned to conduct a controversial ritual aimed at eradicating the homosexual desires of Ryan and another individual. As the ceremony unfolded, Naim was overwhelmed with guilt and horror, unable to bear witness to the torment inflicted upon Ryan and Hunter. They writhed in pain, their bodies reacting violently as they screamed and vomited, a harrowing display of agony that left Naim feeling helpless.

In the aftermath of the ritual, Ryan became increasingly withdrawn, suffering the consequences of the ordeal as he faced relentless bullying from peers who sensed his vulnerability. The emotional toll weighed heavily on him, isolating him further from those around him. Naim, feeling a deep sense of responsibility and remorse for what had transpired, sought to reach out to Ryan in hopes of reconciliation. However, when he approached, Ryan, consumed by hurt and betrayal, pushed him away, leaving Naim to grapple with the consequences of their shared experience and the chasm that had formed between them. 

The Entity

Both boys, Ryan and Naim, share a profound and passionate love for each other, which is complicated by an ominous entity that takes on the appearance of the other whenever one of them is alone. This haunting transformation is a direct consequence of a misguided intervention orchestrated by a priest after the boys were discovered in a compromising situation. Naim’s mother, driven by her deep love for him, was willing to risk everything in an attempt to change his sexual orientation, believing that she could alter his identity.

In many cases, parents may feel compelled to control or change aspects of their children’s lives when they disagree with their choices or beliefs. They often operate under the assumption that they know what is best for their children. However, it is crucial to recognize that ultimately, it is not their decision to make. Instead, parents should offer support and acceptance rather than attempting to impose their views.

The film poignantly explores the theme of trying to eradicate homosexuality from the lives of two teenage boys, a feat that is impossible unless the individuals themselves desire such a change. What Ryan and Naim truly yearn for is each other, not a reformation of their identities. While some may argue that same-sex relationships are contrary to divine will, it is essential to understand that such feelings cannot be forcibly removed. Just as individuals may choose to embrace their sexual orientation, they must also have the autonomy to decide if they wish to reject it.

In this world, we are all faced with choices, and those choices inevitably come with consequences, whether they are positive or negative. The narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acceptance, love, and the freedom to be oneself, regardless of societal or familial pressures.