Let the Right One In (2008)
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98% of critics liked it
(166 reviews) -
90% of users liked it
(45,302 ratings)
A 12-year-old boy befriends a mysterious young girl whose appearance in town suspiciously coincides with a horrifying series of murders in director Tomas Alfredson's adaptation of the book by author John Ajvide Lindqvist, who also wrote the screenplay. Oskar is a young boy who can't seem to shake… More A 12-year-old boy befriends a mysterious young girl whose appearance in town suspiciously coincides with a horrifying series of murders in director Tomas Alfredson's adaptation of the book by author John Ajvide Lindqvist, who also wrote the screenplay. Oskar is a young boy who can't seem to shake off the local bullies, but all of that begins to change when a new neighbor moves in next door. After striking up an innocent friendship with his eccentric next-door neighbor, Oskar realizes that she is the vampire responsible for the recent rash of deaths around town. Despite the danger, however, Oskar's friendship with the girl ultimately takes precedence over his fear of her. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Rating, Runtime
- R, 1 hr. 54 min.
- Directed By
- Tomas Alfredson
- Written By
- John Ajvide Lindqvist
- Genres
- Drama, Horror, Art House & International
- In Theaters
- Jan 26, 2008 Wide
- On DVD
- Mar 10, 2009
- Studio
- Magnet/Magnolia Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Alissa Simon, Variety
Calling to mind the work of Anne Rice and Stephen King, atmospheric adaptation of Swedish author John Ajvide Lindqvist's bestseller is well directed by his countryman Tomas Alfredson.
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Tom Long, Detroit News
An American remake seems inevitable, but it will be hard to re-create the haunting spell cast by this wonderfully strange film about being young and going steady with a monster.
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Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic
John Ajvide Lindqvist's script (from his novel) nails adolescent pain perfectly and is realized by Tomas Alfredson's expert direction.
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Ben Mankiewicz, At the Movies
A really nice little movie.
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Ben Lyons, At the Movies
This is a really good movie.
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Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal
[Director Tomas] Alfredson's style is as elegant and laconic as Twilight is amateurish and campy.
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
One of the best foreign language films of the year
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Jason Best, Movie Talk
Let the Right One In is a shot in the arm for the anaemic vampire movie genre, a thrilling transfusion of fresh blood.
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Charles Cassady, Common Sense Media
Swedish vampire tale is much grislier than Twilight.
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Rob Humanick, Suite101.com
As singular as any vampire film.
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Anton Bitel, Little White Lies
Beautifully shot, moving yet unsentimental, restrained in tone and consummately performed, Let The Right One In is a horror film of near universal appeal, and already has the feel of a classic about it.
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Simon Miraudo, Quickflix
The film is a bevy of contradictions - beauty and horror, young love and violence, innocence and guilt. The fact that it works at all is impressive. The fact that it's a mind-blowing sensory experience is inexplicable.
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Thomas Caldwell, Cinema Autopsy
Let the Right One In is a slow burning film with an engulfing atmosphere that leaves you feeling moved and mesmerised long after the credits have finished.
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Mark Jenkins, NPR.org
Lovelier than most bloodsucker flicks, but it doesn't quite transcend its well-chewed genre.
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Gerald Peary, Boston Phoenix
A remarkable vampire film, as raw and frightening as it is tender and intelligent.
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Enrique Buchichio, Uruguay Total
Una película fascinante, bellísima en su formulación visual y sonora, y narrada con sorprendente precisión. Más una historia de amor y amistad entre dos seres solitarios que una película de vampiros, definitivamente no recomendable para quienes busquen al
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Jeffrey Overstreet, Looking Closer
For every moment of bloodshed [and] special effects ... there are subtleties and surprises that transcend this exhausted genre.
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Dragan Antulov, Draxblog Movie Reviews
Svim horor-fanovima koji ne podnose Sumrak ovaj film %u0107e do%u0107i kao melem na ljutu ranu
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Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Acaba funcionando também como uma contundente alegoria sobre a imprevisibilidade da natureza humana, que traz, em sua imensa diversidade, monstros infinitamente piores do que aqueles com longos caninos.
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Sonny Bunch, Washington Times
this is a moody, original take on the vampire film. ... Anyone interested in vampire films or relationship films will enjoy this fantastic picture
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
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Albert K
Let me shoot this right off the bat: "Let the Right One In" is one impeccably well made movie. Spectacular. The best vampire movie to ever be made. It's a much more methodically paced thriller that slowly but smartly eases tension that is to be found in only a few… More
Let me shoot this right off the bat: "Let the Right One In" is one impeccably well made movie. Spectacular. The best vampire movie to ever be made. It's a much more methodically paced thriller that slowly but smartly eases tension that is to be found in only a few films nowadays. And when it gets tense, man, you're freezing up. "Let the Right One In" is masterfully directed; it does everything right -- whether it's the Stanley Kubrick-esque style of cinematography to the perfect pacing to the melancholy magic between the two main characters, this is what films are all about. The two lead characters deserve a standing ovation -- it's not only the tone that the movie gives off that accentuates the actors' performances or the great screenplay, but it simply comes down to the superb acting that makes their chemistry so unique. There are some wildly outstanding scenes that deserve recognition for it rivals with masterpieces. I loved how the movie is grounded in realism and how though its premise is mysterious in the universe it's placed in, it doesn't reveal too much. It's focus is on the relationship. As you can tell, I absolutely loved this movie. It is superb on every level -- technically and emotionally. "Let the Right One In" is an exceptional film that rightfully deserves the praise its been getting for everything within it is masterfully crafted to perfection. -
Joel K
Full of Darkness and Realism, in away Twilight just can't manage, Let the Right one in is a film that demands your full attention. From the very begining it grabs you by the kneck, and drags you kicking and screaming through a disturbing, but touching, story of a bullied boy who… More
Full of Darkness and Realism, in away Twilight just can't manage, Let the Right one in is a film that demands your full attention. From the very begining it grabs you by the kneck, and drags you kicking and screaming through a disturbing, but touching, story of a bullied boy who finds a friend in a strange girl. Besides the plot, this film has an amazing look. The snowy city the film is based in, with its grimy buildings and dark streets, creates an atmosphere which blends well with the story. This film is un-easy and harrowing to watch, but still an amazing and rewarding experience. -
Jan Marc M
An intriguing relationship of a boy and a peculiar girl, Let The Right One In is a film adaptation that successfully communicates valiant messages creating tension by focusing on the relationship over the horror dimension. -
Unknown H
I cannot say that I loved this movie, but I liked it a hell of a lot more than I thought I would. Confusing sometimes, but still worth a watch. -
Jameson W
Brilliant! A wonderful film. So effective in it's simple delivery, but still deep meaningful and touching. The script, cast, scenery, and cinematography are all extremely minimal, but where those things lack, the emotion and characters shine. That's where this this film… More
Brilliant! A wonderful film. So effective in it's simple delivery, but still deep meaningful and touching. The script, cast, scenery, and cinematography are all extremely minimal, but where those things lack, the emotion and characters shine. That's where this this film succeeds! Excellent performances, even from the two leading child actors. Great mood and atmosphere, and a great musical score! Great foreign film...I wonder how the American version is? -
Spencer S
Everything that would have made Twilight cool, plus a love story without blatant anti-feminism and one dimensional characters. A vampire film, without saying, should include the gritty aspects, without belittling an audience's intelligence. Here we have an emotionally fraught… More
Everything that would have made Twilight cool, plus a love story without blatant anti-feminism and one dimensional characters. A vampire film, without saying, should include the gritty aspects, without belittling an audience's intelligence. Here we have an emotionally fraught twelve year old girl, forced to kill in order to survive, once her guardian is caught killing to feed her blood. She is full of remorse, and possesses a soul, much like the romanticized vampyrs of late, but she also comes across as a realistic monster. Besides all the murder, mayhem, and graphic scenes of bloodletting, the toll of damage is contained to her life, and that of her young friend and neighbor, Oskar. Decidedly more diverse, (suicidal vampire anyone?) Let the Right One In is a masterpiece. -
Shawn E
This Swedish film really puts a fresh look on vampire films. An excellent original story that balances horror with a dark love story. The cinematography and performances by the young actors is superb. -
Cameron S
Due to popular demand (from one person), I am planning on doing reviews after most, or every film I watch. This is a good film to make my glorius return with, for those who don't know 'Let the Right One In' is a vampire movie that makes Twilight look like a steaming… More
Due to popular demand (from one person), I am planning on doing reviews after most, or every film I watch. This is a good film to make my glorius return with, for those who don't know 'Let the Right One In' is a vampire movie that makes Twilight look like a steaming pile of Dracula's shit. My uncle Herb told me to watch this film a long while back and I kept on putting it off for some unknown reason (probably because I'm an idiot), but now I've watched it I have to say, this is definetely one of my new favourites, I mean, It has a little girl ripping of heads for God's sake, what more do you need in a film? -
Kevin k
Grade: A+ (96%) More unique storytelling and less vampire attacks, Let The Right One In is one of the best vampire movies ever made. Twelve year old Oskar is person who is bullied in school. He has no friends, always getting picked on by Connoy and his gang, and has to deal with… More
Grade: A+ (96%) More unique storytelling and less vampire attacks, Let The Right One In is one of the best vampire movies ever made. Twelve year old Oskar is person who is bullied in school. He has no friends, always getting picked on by Connoy and his gang, and has to deal with the separation of his parents. But when a girl named Eli comes around, his life changes for the better and worse. Unknown to Oskar, Eli is a twelve year old vampire who, on some occasions, feeds upon humans. When she is full, she helps Oskar overcome the bullies of his school. Let The Right One In is more of a romance than a horror film. This film is about the bond between vampire and human and how together they do hurtful things without feeling bad about themselves. The unique story is definitely the movie's strong point. The movie doesn't have to depend on the murders like other vampire films (The Blade Trilogy, Dracula to name a couple) but actually flows through this relationship that is rare in any vampire movie. Now this movie can be gory and freaky in some instances. The murders, while violent, aren't really gory; in fact, some bloody scenes come when you least expect them. Let The Right One In is the best vampire movie I have seen. It doesn't have to rely on buckets of gore but gives the viewer something special. The tale between a human and a vampire is beautiful in it's dark and romantic ways. Don't let the subtitles fool you as this is a foreign film. Do not expect a lot of violence or blood but instead, enjoy this unique vampire film. -
Fernando Rafael Q
Moody horror/romance hybrid features rich cinematography and score. Although it deserves praise for its uniqueness and for not giving in to any of the genre's conventions, it's incredibly slow and does what a supernatural drama (or any film, for that matter) shouldn't… More
Moody horror/romance hybrid features rich cinematography and score. Although it deserves praise for its uniqueness and for not giving in to any of the genre's conventions, it's incredibly slow and does what a supernatural drama (or any film, for that matter) shouldn't even dare to do: bore. -
Chris W
This film has a reputation for being excellent, so I tried to not let hype get in the way. Turns out, everyone was right. This is an excellent film. In terms of a letter grade, I'd give it an A- to an A. While yes, this is a "vampire" film, it's not really a… More
This film has a reputation for being excellent, so I tried to not let hype get in the way. Turns out, everyone was right. This is an excellent film. In terms of a letter grade, I'd give it an A- to an A. While yes, this is a "vampire" film, it's not really a vampire film in a typical sense. It's more like a romantic study of loneliness, friendship, and the pains of adolescence, with some occasional gruesomeness. Think of vampirism as more of a metaphor. Is this a horror film? Only in an unconventional sense. As with the vampire connection, look at it as more of a drama with some moments of intensity. Atmosphere, mood, and tone are the real stars here. This is a quiet, small, and brooding film. The Swedish setting fits vibe perfectly. I loved the look and the camera work here. While this film is okay to watch anytime, it works best if you watch it on a cold, dark, and eerie winter day- it really heightens the mood. The performances are wonderful. I loved the subtlety and the quiet, odd chemistry between the two leads. This is an odd film, yet the logic here works. Oskar thinks nothing of issues that others might. For him, the world is no longer surprising, and he's able to tolerate or accept things as they are..well, everything accept for bullies, but that's a different matter. Lina Leandersson plays Eli with just the right amount of coldness and mystery. Again, subtlety is key. They could have gone for a super emo/brooding thing here, or a super sensual vibe, but they nicely play it as Eli being mostly regular with just a touch of difference (the difference being a big deal, but handled as if it wasn't). Give this one a chance. It is a smartly executed, stunning, and absorbing story that also does a nice job of tweaking well-worn territory. -
Jeff "
Ever since I was young, I have been a fan of vampire films. The appeal of supernatural beings living in darkness and drinking human blood always intrigued me. In fact, one of the very first Horror films that I have seen was The Lost Boys. Ever since my first viewing of that film, I… More
Ever since I was young, I have been a fan of vampire films. The appeal of supernatural beings living in darkness and drinking human blood always intrigued me. In fact, one of the very first Horror films that I have seen was The Lost Boys. Ever since my first viewing of that film, I have always been interested in the vampire sub genre of Horror. I've watched good and bad vampire flicks. But recently mostly bad. Until my uncle recommended a vampire film from Sweden. That film is Let The Right One In. This is a phenomenal piece of cinema. This is such a different take on classic vampire stories and is a much needed breath of fresh air. After the two painful films, I Am Legend and The Lost Boys: The Tribe, two films that I was heavily looking forward into seeing, and ultimately was very disappointed at what I saw. Let The Right One In is pretty much one of the greatest vampire films in a long time. The film brings back everything that was grand about traditional vampire films, and creates something totally new and very different from what we have seen in the past. The film is beautifully told by director Tomas Alfredson and he adapts John Ajvide Lindqvist to perfection. I?ve read the book and Alfredson?s adaptation of the litterary work is masterful. Let The Right One In, for me is probably the best vampire film since Bram Stoker?s Dracula. If you are disappointed with thecurrent state of vampire flicks (Twilight) then give this one a view, you will be presently surprised. Let The Right One In is a spectacular horror film that combines drama and romance effectively well to create one incredibly memorable film. Let The Right One In is a fine return to traditional vampire films. The film is a real treat and will appeal to every fan of the vampire genre. I cannot praise this film enough. Everything from the story, the acting , the cinematography is pure poetry. This is the type of film that can salvage the Horror genre, and save whats left, as Hollywood keeps turning out awful remakes. But to summarize this review in one sentence, Let The Right One In is one of the best Horror films that I have seen in a long time. The film film is incredible and every Horror fan should watch this superbly crafted film. -
Sophie B
Absoltely fantastic! Gripping and dramatic from the start, the relationship between Oskar and Eli is intense and heartfelt. The actors were fantastic and I loved every minute. There was a small mistake with the Rubiks cube though. At one point the only square that wasn't white… More
Absoltely fantastic! Gripping and dramatic from the start, the relationship between Oskar and Eli is intense and heartfelt. The actors were fantastic and I loved every minute. There was a small mistake with the Rubiks cube though. At one point the only square that wasn't white was red and then the next it was a blue square. -
Keiko A
Directed by Tomas Alfredson and Starring Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Ika Nord and Henrik Dahl. The one thing I keep reading about Let the Right One In is how it's such a unique horror movie. Horror movie this, horror movie that. This has left me baffled, how can you… More
Directed by Tomas Alfredson and Starring Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Ika Nord and Henrik Dahl. The one thing I keep reading about Let the Right One In is how it's such a unique horror movie. Horror movie this, horror movie that. This has left me baffled, how can you have seen the film and taken it as a horror movie? To be sure, it is a supernatural drama with a few moments of thrill and fear, but a horror movie? No, I simply cannot refer to it as such. While I may play semantics with the critics on that issue, I agree wholeheartedly that Let the Right One In is a special film. And of course many dub it as the greatest vampire movie ever, and yes I have read the book, and I must say, it is one of the greatest movies ever and books ever wrote. Such a powerful vision of storytelling in reflections and landscapes. My top 5 so far 1 Zombi 3 (My all-time favourite movie) 2 Ran (Best movie my country ever made) 3 Deep Red (Most creative thriller ever) 4 Let the right one in (Best Vampire movie ever!) 5 The Inglorious Bastards (Original 70s version) (Best action movie ever made too) set during the blistering cold days of winter, A 12 year old boy, Oskar is at the mercy of the school bullies. He shuffles quietly around school, talks softly, his innocence and fears diverting his desires for revenge. He lives in an apartment complex with his mother. One day new neighbours move in. A man puts up cardboard and plastic over the windows, and avoids conversation with other tenants. One night as Oskar sits outside in the playground, a young girl appears, hardly dressed for winter and pale as the snow itself. They talk briefly, and she tells him that they cannot be friends. Yet she comes back again the next night, and again they talk. Oskar goes off to visit his father, who lives in a rural area. Together they enjoy themselves, and Oskar finally appears happy. When he returns he continues his encounters with the girl. Her name is Eli She never appears except during the night time. Although the film only slowly explicitly reveals that she is a vampire, it's implicit from the early sequences. In one early scene, Eli's caretaker meticulously packs his gear, then goes to a nearby park where he meets, then chloroforms, then blood lets a passerby. He's interrupted by a dog and its owners before he can finish the job, and runs off. He finds blood for her, so she must not kill herself, at least as often. His failures continue though, and she must quench her thirst. When her caretaker is discovered, he burns himself with acid to hide his identity and keep her safe. He gives himself to her as his final act, now she is on her own. [IMG]http://i54.tinypic.com/125hvg2.jpg[/IMG] Although these moments of violence are quite bloody, and at times graphic, they're simply a necessity of the real story, the relationship between Oskar and Eli. She eventually provides him with friendship, maybe even love, as they agree to "go steady." She implores him to stand up to the bullies, which he does, though it may lead him to more trouble in the end. He learns she is a vampire in time, as he must, but he accepts this and her, and finds it in himself to help her. Let the Right One In is a very quiet and patient film, It rightly focuses on the progression of friendship between Oskar and Eli first and foremost. At its heart, this is a beautiful and tender contemplation. Despite its dark undertones, the film never feels sinister. It retains its sweetness right down to its graphic climax. Oskar and Eli are wonderfully drawn characters. Both young actors are emphatically true to their characters, making them all the more sympathetic. The director Thomas Alfredson shoots them in muted tones, from their point of view, instead that of an adult. He makes sparse use of music, allowing the crunching of snow, the grumbling of stomachs, the ambient sounds of the world instead to frame the action on screen. It's a very well made film, from bottom to top. The reflection shots of Oscar are nothing short of beautiful with every known emotion he shows throw it into the night. Let the Right One In is a wonderfully unique picture. The movies were made to tell stories like these. I have not read the book the film is adapted from, but it certainly would expand on much of what is only hinted at here. But what is included in the film needs no expansion. This is such a wonderful film as it stands, in its boldness, its darkness, and its touching beauty. Keiko's score 100% [IMG]http://i53.tinypic.com/2ykkho7.jpg[/IMG] -
xGary X
An insular 12 year old boy who is being bullied at school finds companionship with a young girl who moves in next door, only to find that she is a vampire. Let The Right One In puts a new spin on vampire mythology which is intertwined with an innocent romance between two social… More
An insular 12 year old boy who is being bullied at school finds companionship with a young girl who moves in next door, only to find that she is a vampire. Let The Right One In puts a new spin on vampire mythology which is intertwined with an innocent romance between two social outcasts. The approach is very low key, almost too much so. I found it rather sterile and lacking in drama and the moral ambiguity of the story didn't sit very well with me. At the end of the day the girl is going round murdering innocent people and the message the film seems to be conveying is that violence is the answer to your worries. I didn't feel any real attachment to the characters, and Lina Leandersson aside, I didn't think it was particularly well acted. I'd also have to say that the romance element is dispelled if you choose to draw the conclusion that her "father" who she treats like a virtual slave, was in fact the last 12 year old boy she had seduced. It's certainly an interesting and attractively shot film, but I wasn't as enamoured with it as everyone else seems to be. -
paul o
Its something different in the horror genre and it works out pretty well. Its like Twilight got Swedish and awesome! With a great story, its new twist on the typical vampire romance. People who liked this should also watch the american remake, Let me In, which i thought was probably… More
Its something different in the horror genre and it works out pretty well. Its like Twilight got Swedish and awesome! With a great story, its new twist on the typical vampire romance. People who liked this should also watch the american remake, Let me In, which i thought was probably one of the best remakes i have seen! -
Jens S
Thematically a very fresh Swedish take on the old and recently extremely worn-out Vampire theme, this is the story of a young boy's growing friendship with a blood-thirsty girl. What may sound rather sweet in writing is still pretty bloody and sometimes shockingly violent.… More
Thematically a very fresh Swedish take on the old and recently extremely worn-out Vampire theme, this is the story of a young boy's growing friendship with a blood-thirsty girl. What may sound rather sweet in writing is still pretty bloody and sometimes shockingly violent. Between those well time horror scenes, the movie has its lengths though and its minimalistic dialogs just don't feel like they are enough to get the point across. The 1980s suburban Sweden makes for a very bleak scenery and atmosphere, as well. The showdown, if you wanna call it that, is extremely shocking in its violence. Still, I felt like something was missing and a tad surprised at the great critical reception the movie received. Worth checking out either way. -
Ariuza k
I think Let The Right One In, is no doubt the greatest vampire film ever made or second greatest Martin is still in front even though he acts like a vampire cutting peoples wrists and drugging them still... I don't know what to like the most the amazing quality, story,… More
I think Let The Right One In, is no doubt the greatest vampire film ever made or second greatest Martin is still in front even though he acts like a vampire cutting peoples wrists and drugging them still... I don't know what to like the most the amazing quality, story, characters, etc. Despite the two being kids likely under 13 they put on a fantastic job at what they and there incredible parts I think Oskar and Eli speak for themselves throw exasperations. Oskar is a loner child who seems to be greatly interested in murders and crimes of a horrible evil. He is being bully at school all the time but one day meets the girl next door outside Eli. She herself is a very old vampire child and two start a relationship while Oskar is still having major troubles with family and school. I think the story speaks throw the sounding and settings or just a reflection in glass. Oskar is no doubt a troubled child, Eli is no doubt a vampire and two characters are just unforgettable. There just fantastic and creatively done as Meany as I would put it. In my favorite Vampire movie Martin the director shows martin life throw settings and amazing shots of just everything, they still do the same as in this but just not as good. You can easily see the direction its just that good. Graphic shear violence when it comes to slitting peoples throats or just the killings are awesome. Though a story with very little dialogue can be a little boring. A come to a close not much more to say about it and see it if you will. You will never forget it. -
Daniel M
There comes a point as a horror fan when you think you've seen it all. You've gotten used to the same old monsters turning up in increasingly similar stories, and you begin to lose faith in the ability of films to deeply scare and affect you. And then, out of nowhere, comes… More
There comes a point as a horror fan when you think you've seen it all. You've gotten used to the same old monsters turning up in increasingly similar stories, and you begin to lose faith in the ability of films to deeply scare and affect you. And then, out of nowhere, comes a film which completely blindsides you, a film which touches a part of you which you thought had ceased to exist, and which warms the heart even as it sends shivers down your spine. As it was with Pan's Labyrinth, so it is with Let The Right One In. Tomas Alfredson's adaptation of John Adjive Lindqvist's novel is an outstanding, extraordinary piece of work, and one of the very best films of the decade. Equal parts vampire horror, coming-of-age fable, crime drama and intimate romance, it is the film which truly makes vampires scary again, and gives them a genuine reason for continuing to turn up on our screens. The film is every bit as frightening and chilling as it is touching and heartbreaking, and once exposed you will remember it forever. What makes the film so initially extraordinary is its distance from the horror genre in terms of its production. Lindqvist may be an acclaimed horror writer, but Alfredson had next to no knowledge of horror or vampirism before coming to the project. When a director approaches a genre in which they have no prior interest or experience, the result can be disastrous - Roland Joffe's Captivity being all the proof you need. But in this case the distance is what makes the film so special. Alfredson has spoken about the tendency for filmmakers to 'blue-print' each other, to copy their visual approaches so closely that the finished products become homogenised. His distance allows him to make a vampire film without any baggage or fanboy prejudices, and in doing so completely redefine a genre. Aside from its resemblance to Pan's Labyrinth, Let The Right One In merits comparison with other works by Guillermo del Toro, who himself described the film as one of the best he'd seen in years. Both Let The Right One In and Del Toro's Cronos are vampire films in which the vampirism is not a symbol for sex or lust: the latter explores it as a reaction to ageing and the fear of death, centred on the close friendship between a young girl and her grandfather. There are also tonal similarities with The Devil's Backbone, a ghost story set during the Spanish Civil War. The film is haunting to watch, with the pale nature of both characters and landscape making the community on film like a hinterland between our world and another. Let The Right One In is on one level a film about loneliness. Both Oskar and Eli are different kinds of outcasts, individuals who find each other in a world which isn't ready to accept either of them. Oskar is shy and sensitive, finding it hard to make friends and making himself an easy target for bullies. Eli, meanwhile, is probably hundreds of years old, and is used to moving from place to place to avoid being discovered and destroyed. The film taps into a central tenet of the original Dracula novel, namely the vampire's fate to live a life of solitude and torment at the hands of his victims. The price of immortality is the feeling of guilt or shame which surrounds the means of achieving that fate. The film is also a coming-of-age story, but again in an entirely non-sexual context. Oskar's shyness and cowardice is counterpointed and contradicted by his obsession with death. He keeps a knife under his pillow, collects news clippings about murders and knows rather a lot about forensic pathology. His first lines, "Squeal like a pig!", are quotes from Deliverance, and yet for all his determination he lacks self-belief. Only after meeting Eli does he begin to stand up for himself and act like a man; only when he finds an equal or source of strange affection does he find a way to channel this inner rage. Mark Kermode famously described Let The Right One In as a film about children that just happens to feature vampires. There is no clunky attempt made by Alfredson to draw on the back catalogue of vampire stories, nor is there any lazy twist to sexualise the story as Oskar and Eli grow closer. The few romantic scenes (if they can be called that) are shot with the utmost respect for the characters, and the film clearly emphasises the relative innocence (or apparent innocence) of both parties. Even the brief shot of Eli wearing no underwear is a red herring, reinforcing the character's androgyny rather than giving in to base titillation. What distinguishes Let The Right One In from so many vampire films is its subtlety. Everything is beautifully underplayed and the film reveals itself very, very slowly; little touches in the imagery and colour say all that is needed, and the dialogue just fills in the blanks. There is hardly any soundtrack, and what remains is prominently bittersweet, reinforcing the sombre and poignant tone with nothing to distract us from the sad beauty of the central relationship. It's lazy journalism to compare a Swedish film to Ingmar Bergman, but there is the same sense of sparse, existential emotion at work here. This sombre and tender approach makes the violence in the film all the more scary and shocking. The film is a 15 certificate, which means most of the really nasty stuff is implied rather than expressed. But we almost don't need to see all the scenes of Eli feeding, not just because we know what she is but because being too explicit detracts from her enigmatic nature. All the violent scenes in Let The Right One In are handled directly and sensitively: they are never gratuitous or over-egged, but neither is there any attempt to sanitise the actions of Eli and her family just because we empathise with them. Whether it's a man hanging from a tree with his blood collecting in a jar or Ginia bursting into flames in the hospital, the scenes of blood-sucking and its consequences are chillingly no-nonsense. Alfredson's camera in these scenes is purely an observer, not a judge. He puts us alongside the murders, neither condoning nor condemning the characters, and thereby increasing their impact. What makes Let The Right One In so special is the precise way in which it scares you or chills you. There is a harrowing moment where Eli walks into Oskar's room without being invited, and she starts to violently haemorrhage, with blood pouring from her eyes and every part of her body. What seems upsetting in its own right becomes even moreso with the symbolism contained therein. When Oskar screams and begs her to come in, he is breaking down the barrier of rejection towards Eli and overcoming his own distance from other people. The final scene on the train is heart-in-mouth stuff, leaving our story suitably open-ended and ambiguous. On one level, it's the confirmation of a love which cannot work and yet must; on another, it's a dangerous and potentially fatal step into the unknown. Let The Right On In is on a par with Pan's Labyrinth and is one of the best films of the last decade. The central performances from Kare Hedebrant and Linda Leandersson are terrific, the latter maintaining a childlike innocence while bearing the weary expression of age. Alfredson's direction is superb, playing every scene and sentence note-perfect and choosing his angles and lighting meticulously to create a haunting atmosphere. Forget Twilight, forget the American remake - this is the Citizen Kane of modern vampires. -
danny d
while im nowhere near as enamored with this film as most, i certainly see its quality. in a decade where the horror genre as a whole and the sub-genre of vampire films have taken a dive unlike any other period in history, this film is a creative and refreshing submission to both… More
while im nowhere near as enamored with this film as most, i certainly see its quality. in a decade where the horror genre as a whole and the sub-genre of vampire films have taken a dive unlike any other period in history, this film is a creative and refreshing submission to both areas.
Cast
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Kåre Hedebrantas Oskar -
Lina Leanderssonas Eli -
Per Ragnaras HÃ¥kan
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Henrik Dahlas Erik -
Karin Bergquistas Yvonne -
Peter Carlbergas Lacke
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Ika Nordas Virginia -
Mikael Rahmas Jocke -
Karl-Robert Lindgrenas Gösta
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Anders T. Peeduas Morgan -
Pale Olofssonas Larry -
Cayetano Ruizas Avila Schoolmaster
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Patrik Rydmarkas Conny -
Johan Somnesas Andreas -
Mikael Erhardssonas Martin
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Rasmus Luthanderas Jimmy -
Soren Kallstigenas Janne Erik's friend -
Malin Cederbladhas Hospital Receptionist
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Bernt Ostmanas Virginia's nurse -
Kajsa Linderholmas Teacher -
Adam Stoneas Policeman in Classroom
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Ingemar Raukolaas Messenger





