Batesford Roadhouse front and centre for horror movie filming

Locals were left wondering what was happening when the filming of a horror movie closed a Geelong business for two days this week.

A movie is being filmed at Batesford Roadhouse. Picture: Mark Wilson

The cast and crew of an Australia horror film descended on Geelong this week, much to the dismay of some locals who were left wondering what all the fuss was about.

Batesford Roadhouse was front and centre on Thursday and Friday for the filming of scenes for Leviticus, which is being produced by Causeway Films – the company behind Talk to Me and Babadook.

The film’s writer and director is Adrian Chiarella of Totally Completely Fine fame.

On set at the Batesford Roadhouse this week. Picture: Mark Wilson

Leviticus, which has received Screen Australia funding, is the story of Naim and Ryan, two teenage boys living in a conservative Christian community in regional Victoria.

“When their attraction to each other is identified by the local pastor, the pair are subjected to a disturbing conversion ritual which unknowingly releases a violent entity that terrorises the town,” a summary of the film said.

“As Naim and Ryan attempt to survive the bigotry of their fellow town members, they must also defend themselves against the unleashed spiritual being that takes the form of the thing the boys desire most – each other.”

Crews gather on set as filming commences. Picture: Mark Wilson

Causeway Films is producing the film. Picture: Mark Wilson

Batesford Roadhouse employee Samuel said some people thought the film might be a sci-fi horror.

“One of the employees in the shop is in it too, as an extra,” he said.

“We don’t know much but there are some rumours circulating.”

Following questions by locals on a community Facebook page, a letter from location manager Rhavin Banda confirmed Batesford Roadhouse would be out of action all day Thursday and from 1pm Friday.

The Batesford Roadhouse will be open as normal from Saturday.

Originally published as Batesford Roadhouse front and centre for horror movie filming