Let the Right One In (2008)
By Shane Rivers
Good vampire movies are hard to find; that’s why it’s such a treat to watch a film like Let the Right One In. Based on the novel of the same name, this Swedish work caused quite a sensation in 2008 and made numerous critics’ Top 10 lists.
John Ajvide Lindqvist, adapting his own novel to the screen, manages to deftly merge the genres of horror and romance. Combined with the steady directorial efforts of Tomas Alfredson, the end result is a hauntingly beautiful film filled with loneliness, desperation and, of course, vampirism.
Oskar (Kare Hedebrant) is a 12-year-old boy living in the Stockholm suburb of Blackeberg. Constantly picked on by a group of classmates led by Conny (Patrik Rydmark), Oskar spends much of his time fantasizing about revenge. One night, while stabbing a tree with a knife and pretending it’s Conny, he has his first meeting with Eli, the mysterious girl who just moved next door.
The lonely Oskar is excited to have a potential playmate (a girl, no less) as a neighbor, but the wary Eli warns him that they cannot be friends. We quickly find out why, as the harmless-looking 12-year-old “girl” is revealed to be a vampire far older than her outward appearance would indicate.
But despite their differences, the unlikely pair continues to bond. Oskar introduces her to the wonders of a Rubik’s Cube, while Eli urges the fair-haired boy to stand up for himself at school. Meanwhile, Eli’s grown caretaker, Hakan (Per Ragnar), busies himself with the task of obtaining flesh blood for his ever-thirsty ward.
The sterile environment of Sweden makes for an effective background to a vampire story, as the constant snow and muted colors hint at a dreamlike landscape where nothing interesting ever happens. When the blood does begin to flow, it’s all the more jarring to the senses.
This is further emphasized by director Alfredson’s use of wide angles. He feels no need to get a close-up of everything, preferring instead to allow the audience to explore the space of each perfectly-crafted shot. Two examples of this are Eli’s rapid ascent up the outside of the hospital and her under-the-bridge assault of a local man.
Fans of vampire lore will also be thrilled, as Let the Right One In explores the needs, abilities and limitations of a bloodsucker more than most films of the genre. Special attention is paid to a vampire’s need to be invited into a residence, and we also get to see the consequences when that rule is broken. I’ve watched a lot of vampire movies over the years, and I’ve never seen one which addressed this particular piece of lore in such exacting detail.
The performances from the cast are effectively understated, and child actors Kare Hedebrant and Lina Leandersson do an admirable job of building the on-screen relationship between Oskar and Eli. I was also drawn to Per Ragnar in the role of Eli’s caretaker, Hakan. There seemed to be a whole other story beneath the surface of Hakan’s calm features, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that his origin might be eerily similar to that of Oskar.
Let the Right One In has no real flaws; it manages to be scary, funny, disturbing and thought-provoking without comprising its artistic vision. Even if you‘re not normally a fan of vampires, I’d recommend giving this one a look.
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This Let the Right One In movie review is copyright 2009 Small World Marketing and Shane Rivers. This Let the Right One In review should not be reprinted without the permission of the copyright holders.
This movie review of Let the Right One In expresses the opinion of the author only. Other Let the Right One In movie reviews are available online, and some of those might or might not express different opinions on the movie. Like those other Let the Right One In movie reivews, this Let the Right One In review is intended for the entertainment and education of the reader. This Let the Right One In movie review is provided as is with no warranty or guarantee implied.
[...] Name: Let Me In Release Date: October 1st, 2010 Premise: A lonely 12-year-old boy becomes friends with his new neighbor, a girl who appears to be his own age. She’s actually far older. In fact, she’s a vampire with an insatiable craving for blood. Notable Cast Members: Chloe Moretz, Richard Jenkins, Elias Koteas Tagline: Innocence dies. Abby doesn’t. Note: Based on the Swedish film Let the Right One In. [...]
[...] Let the Right One In (2008) – Swedish cinema received an influx of fans following the release of this haunting vampire tale from director Tomas Alfredson. Oskar (Kare Hedebrant) is a bullied 12-year-old living near Stockholm, but his young life takes a disturbing turn when he falls for Eli (Lina Leandersson), an ageless vampire who appears to be a girl his own age. The bodies start piling up, and the stark violence is contrasted by the tender relationship between the two leads. Based on the even more graphic novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist, the American remake (Let Me In) will hit theaters October 1st, 2010. [...]
[...] Vampire Movies – Good Vampire Movies – Let the Right One In was one of the best films of 2008. If you enjoyed it, here are some vampire movies to sink your [...]