LET THE RIGHT ONE IN is a superior vampire film. There's an innocent yet terrifying atmosphere to it. At its heart it's a love story punctuated by horror and jarring violence. Unlike most such films, it's emotionally fulfilling as well as frightening.
Oskar's (Kare Hedebrant) loneliness and isolation are palpable. There's a sense of genuine suffering, whether he's being bullied at school, or ignored at home. Eli (Lina Leandersson) is inadvertently the answer to Oskar's prayers. Their warm relationship offsets the greyness and cold of the climate, as well as the disturbing nature of Eli's hunger.
There are so many incredible scenes: The hospital visit, the swimming pool, etc., all working so well because we actually care about the main characters. The final scene on the train is poignant because we know that Oskar is mortal, and has entered into the same situation as his predecessor Hakan (Per Ragnar).
If only all horror / vampire movies could be this engaging...
Oskar's (Kare Hedebrant) loneliness and isolation are palpable. There's a sense of genuine suffering, whether he's being bullied at school, or ignored at home. Eli (Lina Leandersson) is inadvertently the answer to Oskar's prayers. Their warm relationship offsets the greyness and cold of the climate, as well as the disturbing nature of Eli's hunger.
There are so many incredible scenes: The hospital visit, the swimming pool, etc., all working so well because we actually care about the main characters. The final scene on the train is poignant because we know that Oskar is mortal, and has entered into the same situation as his predecessor Hakan (Per Ragnar).
If only all horror / vampire movies could be this engaging...