Let the Right One In Review

Written by: Marvin   

I would like to state my disdain with American mediocrities and ignorance.

As I am checking out at my local movie store with my copy of Let the Right One In, the dull eyed clerk blurts out the warning that this movie has subtitles.   Now, at this point I am massively offended on two levels. First, that there have been enough complaints placed about subtitles to necessitate a verbal warning when a movie contains subtitles. Second, I am absolutely sure a large number of mouth breathing simpletons quickly returned the movie to its shelf in trade for something less wordy.

For me this is a REALLY telling sign of American standards and expectations. When something as simple as reading can act as a deterrent for well made art, I take it personally. I am a proud to be an American, and I am not afraid to show my patriotism….well….unless I’m over seas….but when my fellow citizens are lacking the simple drive to challenge themselves to something new like reading during a movie, I start to question were our priorities are as a nation. I witness so many of these fat fucking bastards contribute NOTHING to society. They exist solely to drudge thru life never craving change or taking challenges. To non-Americans reading this please ignore the massive amount of complacent assholes that make America look like a never ending 3 Stooges episode. To Americans reading this (and pretty much everyone) please strive to be progressive! Be forward thinking, question things, and find desire within you to never settle. Become a positive influence for other humans. Volunteer, donate to charity, take non-credit college courses, train for a marathon, or learn a new language, anything!!!! AND STOP FUCKING EATING SO MUCH!!!! IT’S CALLED A SALAD!!! LOOK INTO IT!!!

…..PHEW….

Let the Right One In is a refreshing change in the otherwise stale genre of vampires. The piece centers on Oskar, a twelve year old boy plagued by the school bully and forced to deal with divorced parents. The standard “Only child” fair that leaves most kids feeling alienated. Well, at least till a strange vampire-child moves in next door. And as you can expect, shenanigans ensue.

I found that one of the most compelling components of the movie is the component that makes it original. The main two characters are kids. This simple yet highly efficient twist adds tons of new layers to a movie that would have been plain boring with adult actors.

It was an engaging, if not slightly uncomfortable, thing to see a blossoming relationship evolve between two children (I know, the vampire is actually really old, but you get my point). I almost felt voyeuristic when watching these two lay barely clothed in bed next to each other exchanging gentle words and touches. But this scene and others like it are achieved with such a child like manor that they remove the dirtiness from an otherwise quasi adult relationship.

As the story and growing child/vampire relationship progress we learn precious little about the vampires history, motives, background, etc. It harkens back to the likes of Near Dark, just letting vamps be vamps. Not feeling the need to spend pointless time on exposition, the film isn’t about the vamp, it’s about Oskar. The simplicity helps to make the piece into a poetic “think what you will” free for all.

Over all this is a quite, artsy film that succeds in creatating a haunting and lonely tone that makes such an odd friendship/relationship justifiable. They need each other, in more than few ways.

This wasn’t the best vampire movie ever made like so many people are stating *COUGH lost boys COUGH*. But it’s a very original twist on the tragic love story template. It’s easy to tell that a lot of love went to this movie which makes me happy in our age of remakes for the sake of a paycheck.

......Fucking Americans......