Adrian Chiarella, the Melbourne-based writer-director, has officially signed with Anonymous Content, outpacing interest from multiple other agencies. This partnership arrives shortly after the acclaimed debut of his feature film, “Leviticus,” a queer horror narrative that made waves at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.
Breaking Ground with “Leviticus”
“Leviticus” follows the harrowing tale of two teenage boys whose burgeoning romance turns tragic during a violent conversion therapy session. After this traumatic experience, they find themselves pursued by a sinister presence that manifests as each other, a premise that blends horror with poignant social commentary.
Critical Acclaim and Future Prospects
Carlos Aguilar of Variety praised Chiarella’s directorial debut, highlighting it as a “tightly conceived, gripping queer horror” that marries supernatural elements with urgent societal themes. Aguilar noted that Chiarella’s work elicits both fear and insight, establishing him as a formidable new voice in cinema.
The film, produced by Causeway Films and subsequently acquired in a seven-figure deal by Neon, has garnered attention at various festivals, including SXSW and Sydney, prior to its theatrical release. Starring Joe Bird, Stacy Clausen, Jeremy Blewitt, and Ewen Leslie, “Leviticus” showcases both talent and innovative storytelling.
Exploring Identity Through Horror
Chiarella elaborated on his motivations behind “Leviticus,” stating, “I noticed there was this shift in the air in the last five or 10 years… a regression of a lot of the rights LGBTQIA+ people had fought so hard for.” He aimed to create a film that felt personal while addressing these social issues. Referencing his own experiences with horror films as a means of exploring themes of otherness and self-discovery, he concluded, “Horror is the genre of fear. It’s where we ask the audience, ‘What are you really scared of?’”
A Rising Star in Filmmaking
Recognized as one of Australia’s most promising emerging filmmakers, Chiarella has built a reputation for his emotionally resonant narratives and unique approach to horror. His previous television credits include “Totally Completely Fine” for Sundance Now, “Erotic Stories” for SBS, and “Five Bedrooms” for Paramount+.
In addition to his new affiliation with Anonymous Content, Chiarella remains represented by WME, Jeff Hynick at Jackoway Austen Tyerman, and Joel Petterson at Cameron’s Management in Australia. As he forges ahead, audiences and critics alike are eager to see what this bold storyteller will create next.
