Let the Right One In

In theaters Friday: 17 Again, Crank: High Voltage, State of Play

New on DVD and Blu-ray: The Reader, The Spirit

I finally got Let the Right One In via Netflix last weekend, and it was worth the wait. Based on the book Lĺt den rätte komma in by Stockholm novelist John Ajvide Lindqvist, Let the Right One In centers on Oskar, a pale and frail only child who is constantly harassed at school by a team of larger, more aggressive bullies. His life changes when he meets a rather mysterious girl named Eli, who is new to his apartment complex. Eli arrives with a man who is in his 60s and passes as her father, but it quickly becomes apparent that their relationship isn’t as simple as that. Soon residents of the complex and others turn up dead, and as Oskar falls in love with his new friend, both Eli and her father figure appear to be responsible for the deaths.

It’s no secret that this is a vampire movie, and an incredibly unique one at that. Eli is in fact among the undead, and it is when she reveals her true nature to Oskar that this gentle film flooded occasionally with jolts of violence turns into a tragic love story of the most unique order. As their bond grows deeper, both Eli and Oskar find ways to protect each other from revenge seekers and bullies on their way to carving out a life together despite their obvious differences.

The title of the film (and novel) is a reference to the Morissey song “Let the Right One Slip In,” and also to the myth that vampires cannot enter one’s dwelling without first being invited. But here the title means more. Oskar is a shy symbol for youth and innocence. We all invite trouble, heartache, friendship and love into our lives. Much more of our existence is based on choice, this film tells us, so those decisions should be made with care.

Let the Right One In begins slowly to introduce the characters and the setting, but gains steam in Act 2, and the end of the film is as tense and pregnant with sadness as it is an adrenaline relief. It has had audiences talking since last fall, and is sure to spark controversy and conversation now that it is available on DVD.

The whole film passes by like a vivid dream, and in that way emulates some of Stanley Kubrick’s work, while director Tomas Alfredson showcases the gorgeous, snow swept landscapes of working class Sweden with zeal. Even if this was a silent film, one could easily imagine the sharp howl of the midnight wind and crunch after crunch of snow under foot. The visuals are that pristine, that evocative of a place so foreign to Louisiana eyes.

Word is there is already an American remake in the works led by Cloverfield director Matt Reeves. Wow. So, one of the most still and eerily serene horror films ever is being redone by the guy that shot an entire monster movie in shaky, handheld HD? Definitely watch the original before it gets ruined, and maybe pick up on some Swedish while you’re at it.