Let the Right One In

Every so often a movie comes around that transcends its particular genre. This is that movie. “Let the Right One In” is a complicated coming of age love story that just happens to revolve around a vampire.

Young Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant) is a boy that is physically weak and continually targeted by Bullies. The opening sequence starts out with Oskar practicing a defensive maneuver, in his bedroom with a knife. What he is actually doing, at the time, isn’t quite that clear until a bit later. Oskar’s life is very ordinary, but all that is about to change when he get’s a new neighbor, Eli (Lina Leandersson). They first meet outside the apartment complex when Oskar is again practicing his defensive maneuvers, on a tree. This moment in the film, is highly pivotal, and becomes the foundation for Oskar and Eli’s relationship.

From here the movie really takes off and we learn about Oskar’s unrelenting desire to have Eli as a friend. Although Eli tries to discourage Oskar from befriending her she becomes as consumed and fascinated, with Oskar, trying to understand him as a human and the complexities of being human, something she was denied of discovering at a very young age.

Early on in the film you know you are dealing with a Vampire, when we witness Eli’s caretaker tirelessly trying to procure blood, from hapless victims, for her to feed on. You feel sorry for this pathetic person as he fails horribly time after time. However, this is not the flashy Hollywood Vampire with glistening fangs and proper manners, but the type that exists and survives as necessary, a wretched, immortal savage hunting and killing for survival and make no mistake, Eli demonstrates quite clearly, she will survive.

The real story, though, is the relationship between Eli and Oskar that tells the story of a friendship, that no matter who it is between, can flourish and exist between the most unlikely of candidates. The old cliche that Opposites do Attract.

This story is moving and terrifying and the young actors are exceptional portraying their characters. In turn they are backed up by a supporting cast that is no less outstanding.

Absolutely one of the best Movies to come along in a while. I truly hope we will be seeing more from director Tomas Alfredson.