Let the Right One in: Review By Kenneth Albert

I find foreign language films to be a breath a fresh air as they give me a chance to get away from all American cinema and watch something from abroad. There’s a least one that separates itself from the rest and winds up being, in my opinion, one of the best of the year and this year is no exception. I had the pleasure of watching a little film from Sweden called Let the Right One In. Based on the novel written by John Ajvide Lindqvist (who also wrote the screenplay), is the story of bullied 12yr old boy named Osker who befriends a strange 12yr old girl named Eli, but this isn’t your typical kind of friendship. As their relationship grows if becomes clear that Eli isn’t a girl at all, but a vampire with a relentless thirst for blood.

Now before you write this film as a Twilight rip-off, let me assure you that it is far from being anything close to Twilight, and that’s a definite plus if you’re like me. To put it simply, Let the Right One In is the anti-Twilight. It’s for moviegoers who crave something more from a vampire movie than Twilight can offer (though I’m sure some people will enjoy both), and this is certainly the one with its darker gloomier tone; the way a vampire film should be.

The film is full of great juicy blood-sucking action, but the acting is what really shines (no pun intended) that makes the film as great as it is. Kåre Hedebrant (Osker) and Lina Leandersson (Eli), though both at the young age of 12 and in their first film, show more skill and talent than most Hollywood actors/actresses that have been in the business for years. Their on-screen relationship is so convincing that one can’t help but feel some emotional attachment towards them and remember what it felt like to be close to someone for the first time.

The cinematography isn’t something to neglect when thinking about the film either. There are many interesting creative camera shots throughout the film that enhances the film’s moods and it seems to get better as the film progresses. Two of the best examples involve one of Eli’s victim’s in the hospital and the film’s conclusion, which I’m not going to bother even going into. Watch it for yourself to discover what happens.

Without a doubt, Let the Right One In blooms with creativity and delivers a great story with outstanding performances and is nothing short of being not only one of the best films of the year but one of the best vampire films ever created. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to watching it and have a great cinematic experience.