Let the Right One In (2008)

Let the Right One In (2008): Reviewed by BRYAN SCHUESSLER

Director Tomas Alfredson has blown me away with his indie vampire flick, Let the Right One In (Låt den rätte komma in)(2008). I really loved this film. Keep in mind, though, it is Swedish and does contain subtitles. I know that may sound like a “bummer” to most of you, but I guess that is the price you have to pay to watch this incredible tale of Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant), a frail and nerdy little boy who gets bullied on a regular basis, and his new-found friend, Eli (Lina Leandersson), who just happens to be a bloodsucking vampire.

This film had lots of atmosphere. It was beautifully shot. Most important to me, it felt organic with how the murders and effects were developed. Let the Right One In had some truly compelling and mind-blowing scenes that just held me fixated onto the screen. Director Alfredson made a very romantic and very violent portrayal of a 12-year old vampire (physically aged 12 years, anyways)and her fondness for a troubled and seemingly discarded boy in her apartment building in the Stockholm suburb of Blackeberg. The story was written by John Ajvide Lindqvist, also the the writer of the novel. I do not want to give away any scenes from the film, as I could talk about each individual scene in length and ruin it for everyone, but I will say this- I HATE cats and there is a scene in this film that only cements my belief that all felines are inherently EVIL! The film shoots some scenes that are left to the imagination as to what exactly occurred and how. The imagination is far more powerful and Alfredson lets yours run wild while viewing his film. Kudos to you, Tomas! Director Alfredson has directed many television projects, a comedy, and a drama. I would say this film could easily fall into the drama section, with an underlying twinge of gothic romanticism, parlayed with brutal savagery. Not since George A. Romero’s Martin have I seen a vampire flick take a twist for the better in with its uniqueness, poetic narrative, and sublime inventiveness.

I implore you to go out and see this film in the theater, as it is still playing at Chicago’s Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema at 2828 N. Clark St. at Diversey, located in the Century Shopping Center. Parking is convenient and only $5 after validated.

https://www.landmarktheatres.com/Market/Chicago/Chicago_Frameset.htm