Let the Right One In (2008)

LET THE RIGHT ONE IN

2008 • Tomas Alfredson

Cast: Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar, Ika Nord, Peter Carlberg

Screenplay: John Ajvide Lindqvist

Cinematography: Hoyte Van Hoytema

Music: Johan Söderqvist

Sandrew Metronome

 How old are you?

- Twelve... more or less.

Oskar is a friendless little boy who is constantly bullied at school. His solitary existence changes when he encounters a peculiar girl named Eli. Despite her odd behavior, a tender friendship blossoms between them, offering Oskar a glimmer of companionship he has longed for. What’s the catch? Spoiler: She’s a vampire. Despite the chilling revelation, Oskar's affection for Eli remains steadfast, transcending the barriers imposed by her supernatural nature. Their relationship becomes a sanctuary from the harsh realities of their respective lives. Oskar finds solace in Eli's company, while she finds a rare connection in his genuine acceptance of her true self.

Remember when vampires were awesome? They were badass monsters that you were glad weren’t real. They were bloody, they had fangs, they could rip your throat out, and, most importantly, they did not glitter in the sunlight. Movies like Twilight or shows like True Blood have overly romanticized and de-fanged (literally in Twilight’s case) the vampire genre. This is a wonderful return to form for the supernatural monsters.

The violence portrayed in Let the Right One In serves as a stark contrast to the tender friendship between Eli and Oskar, highlighting the weird nature of their relationship and the world they live in. On one hand, the violence in the film is a visceral reminder of the harsh realities of their existence. As a vampire, Eli needs human blood to survive, leading to grisly and brutal scenes where she hunts her prey. At the same time, the violence serves as a catalyst for the development of Eli and Oskar's bond. Oskar, who is himself a victim of bullying and violence, finds solace in Eli's companionship. Despite her predatory nature, Eli offers him a sense of understanding and acceptance that he struggles to find elsewhere. Their friendship becomes a refuge from the cruelty of the outside world. It challenges conventional notions of morality and empathy.

Let the Right One In explores the relationship between predator and prey. Eli, as a vampire, embodies the archetype of the predator. Her survival depends on feeding on humans. However, despite this inherent instinct, Eli forms a deep emotional bond with Oskar, someone who, by all accounts, should be her prey. Her affection for him overshadows the boundaries of her predatory instincts, highlighting the capacity for love and compassion even in the most unlikely of circumstances. On the other hand, Oskar faces his own predators in the form of human bullies. These individuals, driven by cruelty and insecurity, torment Oskar relentlessly, making him a victim of their predatory behavior. In contrast to Eli, who offers him understanding and solace, Oskar's human tormentors embody the darker aspects of humanity, preying on the vulnerable and perpetuating cycles of violence and cruelty.

Let the Right One In was re-made in 2010 as Let Me In for American audiences. It was a fine interpretation, but nothing beats the original.

- You have to invite me in.

- What happens if I don't? What happens if you walk in anyway?

Notable Awards & Accomplishments

BAFTA Nominee: Best Film Not in the English Language