Leviticus (Adrian Chiarella, 2026)

AbominationYear is only about halfway done and I'll say it: Adrian Chiarella's Leviticus is the best horror of the year. I mean-- something better might come in October (Eggers' Werwulf comes out December), but can't imagine what that might be, or how it can be.And yes I can see the pic's DNA-- Chiarella borrows freely from David Robert Mitchell's It Follows, from the cursed teens to the relentless pursuit to the industrial wasteland that serves as backdrop to the chase. Crucial difference: the creature takes the form of the one you most desire, which frankly is a brilliant conceit. Bad enough if the pursuer is ceaseless, tireless, near invincible; what if it looks like someone who turns you on? Are you willing to experience the moment of your life, even if it may be your last?In this case one Naim (Joe Bird, so memorable in Talk to Me) finds himself attracted to Ryan (Stacy Clausen); when Naim feels betrayed he outs Ryan to the adults, who drag the latter before a 'deliverance…