There has been a lot of buzz surrounding this film among horror fans since the film first made it’s debut here in the U.S. on the film festival circuit. It seems that every year there is a horror film from overseas that creates so much hype that it puts all of the American made horror films to shame. In this years case, LET THE RIGHT ONE IN is that movie. The film was made in Sweden of all places and yes the film does have subtitles as the films dialogue is in Swedish, but don’t let the subtitles stop you from this masterpiece, it’s probably one of the best vampire films to come around in a long time.
LET THE RIGHT ONE IN is about a twelve year old boy named Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant) whom is always picked on and called a piggy by the local school bullies because he is different. One night while hanging out outside his apartment complex he meets a young girl named Eli (Lina Leandersson) whom seems to be different in her own way, but has very similar interests as Oskar and the two start to become friends. But Eli is has a very different side to her, she has a taste for blood, can’t stand sunlight and needs to be invited into any place she goes. Eli however really likes Oskar and instead of making a meal out of him she gives him the courage and strength to stand up for himself, but once Oskar finds out the truth behind Eli, he is a bit shaken up about it. People begin to find out what she is and Oskar is left with the tough decision. He loves Eli, but the truth about her scares him. Now Oskar must decide between helping Eli or give her up to the people who want to know more about her secret.
While watching this film I realized that it’s not your ordinary everyday horror film. There is not all the blood and guts that we’re used to seeing in today’s horror movies, but simply the director of the film decided to go with the less is more routine more often when it came to many of the film scenes that would of normally been an all out reason to get gory. Now Don’t get me wrong the film does have it’s fare share of scene that can be gross, and there is a decent amount of blood in the film, but it’s used in the scenes that it needs to be used in and nothing more. It can almost be compared to the original TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, where the film does not have a lot of gore, but relies on the element of atmosphere and story to give the audience it’s feeling of uneasiness. A great vampire film that LET THE RIGHT ONE IN can relate to is George Romero’s MARTIN. The films are very similar in style, but the character quite different. Still I could not help but think of MARTIN while watching this film.
I found every little aspect of this film to be great. The acting is superb and the directing is top notch. The films strong point however is it’s script, which is obviously very well written from beginning to end and throughout the whole film I could not help but to be drawn not only to the very well developed characters but the great story as well. The production value is top notch for a film of it’s caliber. Sure it has very basic settings, but the fact the film takes place in a region where the weather is cold and snow covers the ground; it gives the film it’s feel of dread and loneliness. The atmosphere coincides with the way the characters in the film feel, and that in itself makes this film the masterpiece that it is.
I can’t praise LET THE RIGHT ONE IN enough, it’s an original vampire film with little elements of things taken from some of the greater vampire films of the past. It is by all means an original story, but one can’t help but relate some of the films setting and characteristics to other horror and vampire films. I also think many will get a kick out of the films ending, it’s one that’s just plan great and many will get a kick out of. Overall, and I may be going out on a limb her by saying this, but LET THE RIGHT ONE IN is one of the best vampire films ever made. It’s just that dam good, and I can’t praise it enough.
The DVD includes deleted scenes, a behind the scenes featurette, theatrical poster gallery as well as a photo gallery. The film is also available on Blu-ray and has the same features as the DVD.
– Horror Bob
- Interview with J.R. Bookwalter - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Andrew J. Rausch - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Rick Popko and Dan West - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Director Stevan Mena (Malevolence) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Screenwriter Jeffery Reddick (Day of the Dead 2007) - January 22, 2015
- Teleconference interview with Mick Garris (Masters of Horror) - January 22, 2015
- A Day at the Morgue with Corri English (Unrest) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Writer/Director Nacho Cerda (The Abandoned, Aftermath) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actress Thora Birch (Dark Corners, The Hole, American Beauty) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actor Jason Behr, Plus Skinwalkers Press Coverage - January 22, 2015
