Let the Right One In (2008) R

In celebration of the release of Let Me In tomorrow, I thought I'd do a review of the film it was based on. It's a Swedish vampire film unlike anything you've ever seen. I saw a quote from a critic that said, "Best. Vampire Movie. Ever." I thought that was setting the bar a little too high, but you can quote me...this IS the Best Vampire Movie Ever. It's directed by Swedish filmmaker Tomas Alfredson. Not Alfredson, nor anyone involved in this project have I ever heard of, and I like that.

It takes place in 1982 Sweden. We follow 12-year-old Oskar (Kare Hedebrant). He's a loner who gets bullied in school on a regular basis. He's very smart but can't stand up for himself because he is heavily out numbered. All the adults in this film, whether it be teachers, parents, or anyone else for that matter, are oblivious to everything going in school or at home. Director Alfredson explains it's all for a purpose.

A young girl and a man, presumed to be her father, move next door to Oskar. Oskar meets the young girl, whose name is Eli (Lina Leandersson). What he, nor anyone, doesn't know is that she is a vampire. She's been 12-years-old for over 200 years. She must survive on blood, and blood alone. Her papa often murders people, drains their blood, and brings it back for Eli to drink. Oskar and Eli become close friends as they confide in each other. Things become difficult for Eli when her papa gets caught attempting to murder a high school student. He pours acid on his face to keep his identity hidden for the time being.

Eli visits him at the hospital, drinks his blood and throws him out the window. What a fantastic scene that was. Eli is now on her own and must feed by herself. Eli tells Oskar to stand up for himself at school. So, one day while ice-skating, Oskar takes a blunt object and whacks his bully in the ear. The kid becomes hospitalized but Oskar is excited, because the bullying comes to a halt.

Oskar cuts himself one night and Eli cannot help herself and she drinks his blood. Oskar finally realizes what she is; a vampire. He is scared at first but soon comes to terms with it. They become closer than ever. A local woman is bitten by Eli, and turns into a vampire. She realizes what she's become and allows the sun to burn her to death. Her husband, who lives near Oskar and Eli, knows it was her who bit his wife. He breaks into Eli's apartment and attempts to kill her. What he doesn't realize is that Oskar is in the place as well. Oskar alerts Eli to wake up from her daytime sleep and she feeds on the man. Oskar now knows what exactly he's gotten himself into.

Eli must flee, because she is no longer safe in this town. They say their goodbyes and Oskar is torn up inside. Oskar goes to his nightly strength training exercises that he's been doing so he can fight back. One of his bullies older brother is waiting for him though. The four boys come up with a scheme for payback.

That's where I will leave it, I don't want to ruin the wonderful and shocking ending that had me biting my remote in horror. This film is so original and gut-wrenching. It's more of a story about first love, with a vampire twist to it. Alfredson was casting for almost a year before he came across Hedebrant and Leandersson. He needed smart kids who could handle the strong subject matter. He succeeded and it was worth the wait, no doubt. I strongly suggest that everyone go see Let Me In this weekend. I will be doing so. Eli and Oskar will be played by Chloe Moretz (Hit-Girl from Kick-Ass) and Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Road). This will be one of the best weekends of the year with The Social Network (my most anticipated film of the year) and Let Me In arriving at theaters all over the country. Have fun kids!
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