Oskar is like most boys in the world. He’s a bright, sensitive
kid who finds himself the constant target of bullies at school. But his whole
world changes when a very special girl named Eli movies into the apartment next
door to his…and if you think that--based on this brief story description--Let
The Right One In is just another sweet little coming of age film that could have
made by either Disney or Walden Media, then, boy, are you in for a world of
hurt! Based upon the novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist, who also wrote the script,
Let The Right One In refers to that famous aspect of vampire legend where you
must invite a vampire inside before he/she can enter. But, in this case, it can
also refer to letting the right person into your heart.
And when the closely guarded Oskar lets the equally guarded Eli into his
life--and ultimately into his heart--the transformation is as beguiling and
sublime as it is unsettling. As a vampire, Eli routinely commits the violence
that Oskar wishes he could do. And Eli is at first puzzled, then deeply touched
by Oskar’s tenderness. Kåre Hedebrant and Lina Leandersson are both marvelous as
Oskar and Eli, respectively. They both give performances that are completely
natural, and sympathetic, without being cloyingly cute. And their fantastic
chemistry--which is created once their characters form their unusual
bond--stand out against the chilly Swedish locations, as well as the distant and
seemingly careless adults around them.
I’ve stated before that Let The Right One In isn’t a Disney film, and while
director Tomas Alfredson doesn’t hold back on the more horrific details of
vampires--with plenty of intensely frightening moments and gore--this movie is
also far more than just your average horror film. It’s a darkly compelling,
somber and intelligent journey that’s extremely well made and original--and one
which well-earns its R rating. Bear in mind that just because the two main
characters are children doesn’t mean this is for kids. But for the more
adventurous horror movie fan--as well as for the mature movie lover in general
with an open mind--they will be dazzled by the dark charm of Let The Right One In.
--SF
