Nicole Reviews "Let the Right One In"

Let's get one thing out of the way. Any film with killing in it (when I perceive that it's just for the sake of killing) grosses me out. The more brutal the killing, the more grossed out I become. I don't know if I can ever completely love a film that has nonsensical killing in it.

So yet another Swedish film to add to the mix. "Let the Right One In" (Låt den rätte komma in) takes the romanticized idea of vampir-ism and thrusts it into the context of twelve year old saga.


Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant) is a tormented middle school student that is brutally and ruthlessly teased by three of his classmates. He meets his neighbour Eli (Lina Leandersson) and they are drawn to one another through their mutual peculiarity and curiousity. The two quickly become friends, much to the despise of Eli's caregiver. The friendship blossoms but in the midst of their childhood innocence certain events play out that are anything but innocent. Eli's oddities and tendencines are at the centre of this and it's the source of the murder and mayhem that surround them.

The cinematography in "Let the Right One In" is nothing short of extraordinary. Each frame is a work of art. For a film that is set almost entirely at night one begins to see the play on light and colour, but it's the choices of angle for each shot that impressed me most. Viewpoints are behind a person that's speaking, reflections in windows and mirrors. A true work of art. The cinematography lent an element of sophistication to this film that makes you forget you're watching two children.

The creepy tidbits are what hook you though. Quick and jerky movements delivered at unpredicatable moments. Shock factor was ample and certainly amped up as the movie progressed. As the film moves it becomes creepier (I'm using the word creepy a lot because it's the only appropriate word), this is heightened by one of the most eerie conclusions I have witnessed. If you watch only one part of this film it's the end you've got to see.

In the end it is a film worth watching. If you don't get turned off by blood and whatnot you will probably think this is a pretty good movie. If you love blood and whatnot you will probably think this is a great movie. It is certainly more than the killing that happens in it, but that's what's at the heart of the film nonetheless.

With all successful international films Americans do a remake. Coming soon to a theater near you "Let Me In", and from what I can see in the trailer; it looks very similar.

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