Neon, the indie label behind the critically acclaimed films 'Parasite' and 'Anora', has secured one of the first deals at this year's Sundance Film Festival, acquiring the rights to 'Leviticus', a highly anticipated horror film about conversion therapy. The acquisition is a significant move for the studio, as it marks their first purchase of a horror film and signals a potential shift in their programming choices. The film, directed by Adrian Chiarella, is a star-crossed love story between two teenage boys who must escape a violent entity that manifests as their mutual desire for each other. The cast includes Joe Bird, Stacy Clausen, Jeremy Blewitt, and Ewen Leslie, and it premiered in the midnight section of the festival.
Critics have praised 'Leviticus' for its unique blend of genres, with The Guardian describing it as a 'tall' entry in the increasingly crowded field of horror, including trauma, curse, gay, and Sundance horror. Indiewire drew comparisons to 'Heated Rivalry' and 'It Follows', highlighting the film's innovative approach. Despite a slow market for sales at the festival, 'Leviticus' has sparked interest and is expected to be a hit with festival crowds.
However, the indie box office is known for its unpredictability, with many Sundance films that are well-received at the festival failing to resonate with the general public once they reach theaters. The rights to 'Leviticus' are being sold by WME Independent, and the sales price is rumored to be in the seven-figure range. This deal is a testament to the film's potential and the studio's willingness to take risks on unique and diverse content.
