Låt den rätte komma in

The first thing that strikes you about Låt den rätte komma in, also known as Let the right one in, turns out to be one of the best things about it: It looks like a fairy tale. It encapsulates young love in the face of utterly unreal circumstances with expert cinematography and exquisite rendering. 


Set in snowy Sweden, the story revolves around a young, mistreated boy, Oskar (Kare Hedebrant), who befriends a peculiar girl who’s moved in next door under mysterious circumstances. There is more to Eli (Lina Leandersson) than meets the eye and, with her, he conquers his tormentors and loneliness. Director Tomas Alfredson has managed to capture a different side to the vampire craze sweeping the world and influencing so many recent films. He tells the story in a simple way with quiet integrity; special effects are kept to a minimum. 
You know you’re not in Hollywood anymore when A-listers aren’t the main attraction. In fact, this film is the first for both the main actors. Although it competes in the arena with the likes of Twilight and a plethora of other vampire films, it stands alone in its purity and uniqueness, given the age and innocence of the main characters. It hits a nerve but it isn’t a tear-soaked drama, although you are often left wondering when things are going to go horribly wrong due to the eerie noiselessness of this film. 


The fact that it is not well known or intended for such a broad audience might mean it gets lost in the swirl of recent vampire mania. It may seem arid to the younger moviegoers who are used to high action and not having to read subtitles while watching a movie, but it is beyond quixotic. And in case it isn’t clear, this is a rave! I absolutely adore this film and recommend it to everyone!