Review: Let the Right One In (2008)

Director: Thomas Alfredson

Cast: Kare Hedebrandt, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar, Henrik Dahl, Karin Bergquist, Ika Nord

The Deal: Oskar (Hedebrandt) is an introverted 12-year-old boy who is regularly bullied at school and only dreams of fighting back. One day a girl, Eli (Leandersson), moves in next door, and they slowly become friends. Coinciding with Eli's arrival, a strange number of disappearances and murders are cropping up, and as the two spend more time together, Oskar realizes Eli is unlike any other girl, she's a vampire. Though Eli would never harm Oskar, and she's helped give him the confidence to fight back at the bullies, he must decide how much can love truly forgive.

Thoughts: The film is based on a novel, and for all of the Twilight followers out there (good and bad), the book was published before Twilight, so this is not some cheap imitation. What this is is a wonderful story about a friendship that really pushes its boundaries. It adheres to the rules set for vampires that we know, and the story is quite original and endearing. Though at times the "horror" aspect could be considered campy, it's not really a horror film, and it always returns to its strong roots. Essentially, it's a vampire/romance film that's quite good and likable, despite any hard feelings towards the subject matter that may have cropped up since Twilight stole all of the spotlight.

Child actors carrying a film this serious is rare. Even more amazing is that Hedebrandt and Leandersson had no acting credentials on their resumes prior to this. They both had excellent presence on screen, good chemistry with each other, and handled the more mature aspects of the story with great ease. Leandersson stood out the most, and I feel like this is a film that will really launch her career. Her role was difficult, and somewhat creepy, and she handled it so much better than most experienced young actresses would have. It really was impressive how well she did.

It was fascinating watching the relationship between Oskar and Eli grow. Though the two were quite innocent together, they both dealt with far more mature subject matter. It puts a lot of stress and some confusion on their friendship, and I think if Oskar were not so young, this friendship may have fallen apart. The ending in particular was quite pleasing. I won't spoil the quick but very cool scene in the pool, but even though it was predictable, it remained satisfying. The film then closes nicely with the two riding a train, communicating through morse code since Eli must stay in a box to avoid the sun, and ending testament to the strength of their friendship.

Verdict: An original and very good film that goes beyond vampires and romance and delves into the complications of friendship and young love. It's far more serious, way darker, and much more enjoyable than it's popular Twilight counterpart. ☆☆☆☆

Liked It? Try This: Interview with the Vampire (1994)