Let the Right One In

Every once in a while sifting through the sands of second and third rate films on Netflix a gold nugget appears. Let the Right One In is one of the nuggets. Let the Right One In is a Swedish film set in 1981 about a shy twelve year boy, Oscar, who is severely bullied by his classmates. He lives in a nondescript housing complex with his mother. He meets Eli, a girl his age that recently moved into the apartment next door. Eli and Oscar are drawn to each other. Coinciding with the Eli’s arrival are a string of mysterious and savage murders.  Eli is a vampire. Oscar finally realizes this but the bond between Oscar and Eli remains and is solidified further as the story deepens.

So what makes this film so good? It’s a believable, unique take on the tired vampire genre. The film is low key and contains true human interest. All of the vampire cliches are there- fatal exposure to sunlight, having to be invited in, a Jonathon Harker like human assistant  and so on, but the cliches are so well integrated into the story they seem natural. The film was directed by Tomas Alfredson and the screenplay was written by John Ajvide Lindqvist based on his book.

Let the Right One In won awards from the Gothenburg Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival and others. Even if you’re not a big fan of the vampire genre (I’m not) check Let the Right One In out. I have watched this film twice and will watch it again. For more, go here: http://www.lettherightoneinmovie.com