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I'm still amazed at the rampant popularity of the vampire genre. It never seems to run out of steam. New waves of undead stories continue to be unleashed. Back in the '70s and '80s, it was all about killing vampires. Whether it was Hammer Films or THE LOST BOYS, the goal was to destroy all fang-toothed creatures of the night. Nowadays, it's all about falling in love with vamps. Films like TWILIGHT and television series such as TRUE BLOOD have turned pale faced blood drinkers into handsome Lotharios.
It's no easy task for screenwriters to keep reinventing the vampire flick. There's only so much a writer can do to mix up such a tried-and-true genre. Just when I thought I'd seen every type of bloodsucker tale, along comes LET THE RIGHT 
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ONE IN, from of all places, Sweden. Who knew the Swedes were diggin' on vampires? I'm in no way trashing their country, but Sweden isn't the first place that pops into my head when I think horror. Shame on me. I'll be on the lookout from now on.
Twelve-year-old Oskar is a lonely lad facing constant abuse from school bullies. Meek and friendless, Oskar needs a severe confidence boost. Things change when a young girl named Eli moves in next door. Eli is bit of an odd bird, but she and Oskar become fast friends. There's one small problem with the mysterious Eli: she's a vampire.
Her need to feed directly conflicts with her budding relationship with Eli. Not to mention the blood-drained bodies that are piling up in the neighborhood. Despite her affliction, 
He has issues. |
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Oskar falls hard for Eli. Together, they navigate the pitfalls of adolescent love while attempting to keep Eli's secret under wraps. Her blood thirst threatens to crumble their game of house as the locals close in on uncovering her nest.
If you're looking for a nonstop gore-fest, this won't be your cup of tea (or blood). LET THE RIGHT ONE IN is all about intense, nuanced character interaction. Oskar and Eli's naivete prevents them from fully comprehending how doomed their situation is. Although, a very manipulative presence hangs over Eli. Her desperation to find a new companion reeks of her using Oskar for personal gain. She may be twelve on the outside, but her internal wisdom dwarfs Oskar's. This dynamic adds more flavor to their involvement with 
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one another. Can Oskar really trust a vampire?
Director Tomas Alfredson casts a moody haze over this absorbing chiller. A cold, pale palette enhances the creepy aura, as does an appropriately eerie soundtrack. Loneliness and exile are recurrent themes interwoven throughout the plot. Although from completely different worlds, Oskar and Eli have a kinship that will forever bind them to one another. In a film where the specter of divorce lingers, it is little coincidence that their seemingly dysfunctional coupling is in reality the most stable. Kare Hedebrant and Lina Leandersson both deliver courageous performances as Oskar and Eli. If you like your horror different and are searching for something besides masked maniacs and flesh-eating zombies, don't forget to LET THE RIGHT ONE IN.
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 | Lloyd
Jun 1, 2009 11:32 PM
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| I have not seen nor rented 'Let The Right One In,' but I love vampires; I think I got hooked on vampires after watching the original 'Dracula' movie and the tv series from the 60s and 70s, 'Dark Shadows' and the movie 'Blade'. Oh the seductiveness and the mysteries of vampires, I love it. |
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| Eye On The Overlooked |
Every other Sunday
A lot of great movies slip through the cracks. I'm here to catch them.
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| Scott Tunstall |
Scott is a freelance writer currently living in the Southeast. He is a film school grad with a love of theory and screenwriting. His tastes vary from obscure niche films to giant Hollywood blockbusters. In other words, he'll watch pretty much anything.
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Jun 5, 2009 11:35 PM
Jun 6, 2009 12:23 AM