Review of Let the Right One In (2008) by Luke K — 03 Nov 2015

Let the Right One In is an incredible, confidently subversive piece of filmmaking unlike anything I have seen before or since. This Swedish horror film is a unique take on the vampire genre with plenty of horrific sequences, but at its core the film is about a romance/friendship that blossoms between young loner Oskar, played by Kare Hedebrant, and his new vampire neighbour Eli, played by Lina Leandersson. Both child actors (both 13 at the time) deliver mesmerising, multi-layered and mature performances that far exceed their years - convincingly portraying the tragically beautiful and relatable kinship that develops between these two lonely souls. Perhaps the most striking element of Let the Right One In is it's undeniably intoxicating atmosphere. With the backdrop of snowy 1980s Stockholm, the film uses sparse shots of open scenery, bare composition and a very minimalistic soundscape in order to tap into an eerie sense of loneliness, sadness and isolation that you can't help let consume you. The film unfolds at its own slow, meticulous pace with long shots and minimal dialogue; showing rather than telling as the bullied Oskar develops his first meaningful friendship with Eli.

Alfredson expertly balances horror, drama and romance, implicating themes of childhood innocence and love within the realm of horror, violence and natural cruelty. The understated performances of the two leads give weight and investment to the onscreen romance, and the chilling, brutal savagery that takes place around them packs a more visceral and emotional punch as we desperately root for these characters to find the warmth and happiness in each other that they long for within such a cold and lonely world.

Let the Right One In is in a league of its own as a profoundly poetic and haunting film that reminds us of the depth that can be achieved within the horror genre.