Neon, a prominent film distributor, has successfully secured the rights to "Leviticus," a queer horror film that made its debut in the Midnight section of the recent Sundance Film Festival. This acquisition underscores Neon's strategic focus on distributing distinctive horror titles and strengthens its presence in the independent film landscape. The film, an Australian production, joins Neon's growing catalog of critically acclaimed festival selections, including other notable features from previous Sundance events.
Neon Secures Distribution Rights for Australian Horror Feature 'Leviticus' Following Sundance Premiere
In a significant move at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, held in the vibrant setting of Park City, film distributor Neon officially acquired the highly anticipated queer horror film, "Leviticus." The announcement was made on January 27, 2026, marking one of the festival's earliest and most notable distribution deals. The film, hailing from Australia, captivated audiences and critics alike in the festival's Midnight section.
Helmed by director Adrian Chiarella, "Leviticus" delves into the unsettling narrative of Naim, portrayed by Joe Bird (known for his role in "Talk to Me"). Naim is depicted as a reserved adolescent living within a strict religious commune. His life takes a dark turn when he becomes tormented by a malevolent supernatural force. This entity sinisterly manifests as Ryan, a schoolmate for whom Naim harbors deep affection, played by Stacy Clausen.
This acquisition is a continuation of Neon's successful streak at Sundance, adding to its impressive portfolio of festival hits. The company's previous notable pickups from Sundance include the 2025 sensation "Together" and Steven Soderbergh's critically acclaimed 2024 ghost story, "Presence." The acquisition of "Leviticus" further solidifies Neon's reputation as a key player in bringing innovative and thought-provoking horror cinema to a wider audience. "Leviticus" is produced by Samantha Jennings and Kristina Ceyton of Causeway Films, also behind "Talk to Me," with Hannah Ngo also serving as a producer. Neon has expressed plans for a theatrical release later this year and will manage the film's international sales rights.
The deal, facilitated by WME on behalf of the filmmakers, stands out as one of the few major acquisitions in what has been an otherwise quiet Sundance market. The only other significant buzz at the festival has surrounded Olivia Wilde's directorial project, "The Invite."
The acquisition of "Leviticus" by Neon highlights the distributor's keen eye for compelling storytelling within the horror genre, particularly narratives that push boundaries and explore complex themes. It also underscores the growing appetite for diverse voices and perspectives in independent cinema. This film's journey from Sundance to a broader release signifies a promising future for unique and impactful horror narratives on the global stage. The critical reception at Sundance, where a review praised it as a "stylish, urgent allegory" comparable to "Talk to Me" and "It Follows," bodes well for its future success.