Australian queer horror film Leviticus is finally out, and actor Joe Bird has explained what that dramatic cliffhanger and wild last-minute plot twist really mean.

The ending of Leviticus is bittersweet

Throughout the Leviticus film, Naim (Joe Bird) and Ryan (Stacy Clausen) are faced with intense homophobia in their small-town Australian village, especially within their Christian church. After an intense exorcism scene, Naim and Ryan are haunted and tracked down by murderous creatures who look just like the person they’re attracted to the most – each other.

But by the ending, they’ve both decided to run away from their small-minded town, leaving behind their friends and family, and starting an uncertain new life together. However, it’s revealed that the creatures are still out there, following their every move and poised to pounce when they’re alone.

Here’s what actor Joe Bird had to say about the Leviticus ending, and what it means for Ryan and Naim

In an interview with Cinema Blend, Joe Bird and director Adrian Chiarella discussed what the ending symbolises, and the uncertain future Naim and Ryan face.

“I think a big part of that last scene when we were talking about it … is that we kinda want to show these boys in the wake of adversity are choosing to believe in hope and believe in love than live in fear,” Joe said.

As Naim and Ryan sail off into their future, Frank Ocean’s song Self Control plays, and then the credits roll. We’re left wondering if they made it to the city and what their lives became.

“Obviously Naim sees that this thing is still around; it’s gonna follow them probably, I think,” Joe continued.

“The beautiful thing in that is that it speaks to the fact that this world is a dangerous place, and we have to kind of live in positivity and in hope for the world to become a better place, hopefully. You can’t live in fear or negativity because, what a boring life.”

For all the latest film and TV updates and hot takes, like our Facebook page.