Let the Right one in (Låt den rätte komma in) 2008
Well here we have Swedish “horror” film, I put horror film in inverted commas because although this is billed as a horror, and believe me it is, its also a very endearing love story, so I’d feel more comfortable calling this a “romantic horror”, which for me, I think is a first.
We are immediately presented with your classic horror opener, silent credits followed by eerie orchestral stings and a creepy half naked boy muttering, “Squeal like a pig.” to his own reflection. With a chilling back drop of snowy Stockholm and howling wind, you would be forgiven for thinking that this is your classic horror film, and in many ways it is.
Oscar is a 12 year old boy who is getting bullied at school, and so far has had no courage to fight back despite his clear wish for revenge. His slightly morbid outlook on life and interest in murder only isolates him more and evidently makes him lonely. However, he soon makes a new friend, Eli, a strange girl who moves next door, who’s father is the mass murder Oscars been reading about. These murders aren’t for his own lust for killing, but for his daughter who lives off of his victim’s blood. That’s right; Eli is a 12 year old vampire.
Don’t be mistaking this for a soppy love film between a human and a vampire, this is no Twilight. For those of you who have a blood lust with horror films, this will satisfy your every need; there’s something really disturbing about watching a 12 year old girl attack a grown man for his blood. Equally those of you who enjoy love stories will also be satisfied, there are some particularly touching moments between Eli and Oscar, strangely one of the most touching being a kiss between Oscar and Eli, who’s mouth is covered in her latest victims blood. The juxtaposition of the romantic love story between our two protagonists, and the sheer gruesomeness of the horror is fantastic.
It seems at least where the music is concerned the director intended to focus mainly on the love story, the score is wonderfully constructed and emphasises the children’s love for one another, and it seems he held back during the horror scenes, and just let the images and sound effects do the talking.
The cinematography is also beautiful; the crisp blacks and cool whites of your typical horror give the whole film an unearthly feel, even during the warmest of moments, reminding us that despite the inevitable warmth we feel towards Eli, she’s still a cold blooded killer.
The performances of all concerned is brilliant – especially from Lina Leandersson who plays Eli. To be an 11 year old girl, playing a cold blooded killer and still manage to win over the hearts of an audience is quite an achievement, and in my opinion her performance makes the film.
I do have a couple of criticisms, but I feel I may be nit-picking, Kåre Hedebrant, who plays Oscar, is a great little actor but from time to time he pulls a weird squinty face, as if he can smell something strange that he can’t quite put his finger on , and I have no idea why and it’s really annoying. There’s also a scene where a few cats go crazy, hissing and spitting at the vampire – all of these cats are computer graphics, and obviously so. I can’t understand why the film makers didn’t use trained cats or cut the scene completely, as it felt like an unnecessary scene anyway.
Overall though, I recommend this film to everyone, there simply isn’t a film like it. It’s both brilliantly beautiful and deeply disturbing. Go and rent it or buy it now, I don’t think as a nation we watch enough world cinema as it is, and this is a must see.
9 out of 10
Oh and guess what? The bloody americans are currently making a re-make, suprise suprise - completly pointless.
Russ x
damn right. twilight is shite..... You should check out Nightwatch/Daywatch (film4 saturday night), not as good as this but still worth a watch. From the director who did Wanted....
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