Let the Right One In is a love story between two twelve year old kids.  Oskar is poor, bullied at school, his mom is divorced.  He is an all around outcast.  Eli moves in next door with, supposedly her father.  She is also somewhat of an outcast.  The two children form a friendship that leads to an enduring love.  Eli encourages Oskar to fight back against the bullies, and makes him feel accepted in the real world.  Oskar tries to bring Eli out of her exile.  He later learns she is a vampire.

This is a beautiful film.  Not just to look at, and it is beautiful to look at; the composition of some of the shots are as pristine as paintings.  Just beautiful.  And the story is moving.  The film addresses the awkwardness of adolescence, the feelings of growing up and having adult feelings while still so young.  For all of its quiet effects, it is a storm of emotions.  It crawls and creeps, lingers and hovers, and stays with you long after the final shots.

A Hollywood remake has already been announced for this Swedish film, I only hope it is not a bastard corruption.

Having seen Let the Right One In I immediately wanted to watch it again.  I wanted more.  These are characters that deserve life.  This is a movie of rare wonder.  Oskar finds mystery in the backyard, an ability lost on us as we grow into adulthood.

Moving, enriching, magical.  Highly recommended.

5 out of 5

the_novacula