"Let the Right One In"

*****

This is easily the best vampire movie so far this century, and quite possibly the best of the last 30 years. It follows the vampire mythology pretty strictly, and it takes its vampires very seriously. It is expertly directed by Tomas Alfredson, a man who really knows how to frame a shot; there are moments of intense visual beauty here. It is very light on visual effects (with the exception of some very CGI cats that are thankfully seen only briefly), and very heavy on suggestion and implication. Horror is created in subtle touches. This all works in it's favor.

But the movie, truth be told, relies entirely on the performances of it's two young actors, and in this it is pitch perfect. Lina Leandersson is stunning, let me say that again, STUNNING, as Eli the vampire. In her voice, her manner, and even in the depths of her strange silvery eyes, we sense the weight of long years, and longing for companionship she feels she can never have because of what she is. We also, when necessary, sense her hunger, and it is a fearful thing. All thoughts of the world-weary child vampire once played by Kirsten Dunst vanish in her presence. In perfect counterbalance is Kare Hedebrant as Oskar. He is simple and at times naive, ready to accept the impossible with ease, because he knows the mundane evils of the world so well. He is bullied, he is the product of a broken home, and he occasionally fantasizes about gutting his tormentors, making them squeal. There is much weight to his performance as well, but it always feels like your watching a real little boy struggling with these problems.

The sweet, innocent, preadolescent romance that develops between them is a wonderful thing to behold. I've barely scratched the surface of why this is so darn good, but trust me, it is. In a world where vampires are becoming jokes and brooding expressions of teen angst, this one does it right. So if you plan on inviting a vampire movie into your home, be sure you Let the Right One In.

NOTE: An American remake of this has been made titled Let Me In. It is not bad, but on the whole it is an inferior reproduction. Please do not be daunted by the Swedish language or the subtitles of the original, just watch it!