Let the Right One In
Synopsis
In a snowy Stockholm suburb, an isolated, bullied twelve-year-old boy forms a deep connection with an enigmatic new neighbor, unaware that his strange companion is a centuries-old vampire who depends on human blood to survive.
Our Review
Vampire movies have been a craze and people really love this genre. In Let the Right One in, directed by Tomas Alfredson, you will find a different story about two children who are out on a hunting spree. There is a twist and turn in the story and the casting is very well done. The film received very good responses and has been nominated as one of the best vampire movies of all time for the year 2008.
A 12-year-old boy named Oskar (Kare Hedebrant) is always a victim in his school. People from other classes and even his classmates often pick him up and thrash him because he is wimpy. Oskar does not retaliate because he does not know how to react or retaliate. He keeps getting thrashings every time. Oskar is scared to fight back and he always is scared of the ones who pick on him every time for some or the other reason. However, Oskar tries various ways to counter-attack his tormentors by practicing martial arts in the backyard all alone. He does imagine the ways and then fantasies about his tormentors.
One night, when Oskar practices his martial arts moves, he notices a young girl— about his age enters an apartment with her father. Later on he learns that the girl’s name is Eli (Lina) and her father is Hakan (Per Ragnar). Later, he notices that the girl and father keep killing people and one night Oskar finds Eli killing someone. He asks innocently, “Are you a vampire?” The movie gets into horrific action.
The film is beautifully picturized and very well-written. This can be considered as one of the best modern vampire movies.
What We Think About This Movie
What We Liked
Incredible performances by young actors Kåre Hedebrant and Lina Leandersson.
A sensitive, melancholic approach to vampire lore set against freezing winter landscapes.
Tomas Alfredson's restrained direction and atmospheric cinematography.
The delicate balance between tender childhood innocence and graphic, cold-blooded violence
What We Didn't Like
The deliberate, slow-burn pacing might feel quiet for viewers seeking constant Hollywood jump scares.
A few disturbing, bleak sequences that may unsettle sensitive audiences.
Who Should Watch
Fans of psychological horror, arthouse foreign cinema, dark coming-of-age tales, and atmospheric vampire stories.
Who Should Skip
Viewers looking for fast-paced action, traditional jump scares, or conventional Hollywood romantic dramas.
Movie Details
Where to Watch Let the Right One In in the USA
Frequently Asked Questions About Let the Right One In
Is Let the Right One In worth watching?
Yes. Holding an 8.6/10 rating on MovieToWatch, it is widely celebrated as one of the finest, most original vampire films of the 21st century.
What is Let the Right One In about?
The film tells the story of Oskar, a lonely, bullied twelve-year-old boy in 1980s Sweden, who befriends a mysterious young girl named Eli, only to discover she is a vampire.
Who directed Let the Right One In?
The film was directed by Swedish filmmaker Tomas Alfredson, who later directed Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.
Is Let the Right One In based on a book?
Yes. It is adapted from the 2004 Swedish novel of the same name written by John Ajvide Lindqvist, who also wrote the film's screenplay.
What is the original Swedish title of the movie?
The original title is Låt den rätte komma in.
How long is Let the Right One In?
The film has an exact runtime of 114 minutes (1 hour and 54 minutes).
What is the MPAA rating for Let the Right One In?
The film is rated R for bloody violence including disturbing images, brief nudity, and language.
