Låt den rätte komma in (2008)

Twelve-year-old Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant) is the constant target of bullies in his small village near Stockholm, Sweden. He spends his time plotting revenge and obsessing over news of the heinous murders around town. Things change for Oskar when Eli (Lina Leandersson)--another twelve-year old--moves into his building. Eli is an outcast, too. But Eli is also a vampire. A friendship blossoms and together they find acceptance and courage to live.

Let the Right One In is from Swedish director Tomas Alfredson. While I think much of the alliteration is lost in the English dubbing {where do they find these people for voice-overs?!}, the film is a fresh, original addition to the vampire genre.

The young leads are remarkable, especially Leandersson. She speaks volumes as the emotionally distant, yet vicious Eli. In contrast is Oskar. Mild and frightful, Oskar is horribly introverted. His fascination with Eli comes from within. It's as if Eli is what Oskar has buried deep inside. The dialogue is simple between the two, but the connection is beautiful. Trading chemistry as downtrodden, confused youngsters, these two have the control of seasoned veterans.

The film is a unique blend of Lord of the Flies and Stand By Me for the Interview with a Vampire set. Containing the lore of vampires with the morality of the aforementioned, Let the Right One In becomes a modern day, i.e. real, story of young, conflicted love.

Delicate scoring and muted cinematography add to this film of contrast. The aesthetic is sparse, but emotionally rewarding and equally draining. It's filled with a foreboding that chills the soul.

Låt den rätte komma in is not for American audiences--the gentle nature of the story will bore the average movie-goer. This film makes the likes of Underworld or Bram Stoker's Dracula look clunky. As I see it Let the Right One In will only be appreciated by fans of the genre.