'Let the right one in' (2008)

From listening to the overview commentary on the DVD of this film, I found that Swedish novelist John Ajvide Linqvist combined his childhood memories of Swedish Suburbia and fictitious narrative with the help of director Tomas Alfredson, to adapt the novel that was 'Let the right one in' to the big screen. The title apparently refers to vampire folklore in which a vampire cannot enter a house without being invited.

The narrative is based around the 12 year old protagonist 'Oskar' and his life in Stokholm's suburbs in the 1980s. As the narrative develops Oskar develops a relationship with a centuries old vampire Eli, who has the appearance of a 12 year old girl.

Oskar's characteristics in the beginning of the narrative show him as weak (for example he is constantly bullied at school) and before he meets Eli, his life is portrayed as quite dull. In a scene near the end Eli proves that she is more powerful than she appears, when she basically slaughters Oskar's bullies.

Unlike other vampire themed films such as 'The Lost Boys' (1987), the main theme of text is romance with a subplot of vampires. The film focuses on how the relationship between Eli and Oskar develops as well as the end of Eli's relaionship with Hakan (portrayed as her minder/blood finder).

Eli as a vampire is portrayed with innocence due to her appearance but she seems to have power over people shown by her loyal accomplice 'Hakan'. Hakan's character is portrayed to the public as her minder/father, little do they know that he is her blood collector. There is also is a link to 'Twilight' (2008) as the narrative has a romantic subplot (between Eli and Oskar).

As 'Let the right one in' (2008) could be classed as a hybrid as it spans across such genres as Fantasy, Horror and Romance.

Director of 'Cloverfield' 'Matt Reeves' is currently doing a re-make of 'Let the right one in' named 'Let me In' which is planned for release later this year (November). It stars Chloe Moretz (Kick-Ass 2010) as the adolescent vampire. I hope to see it, even though it isn't meant to be as good as the original.

The script from 'The Lost Boys' has been adapted to a book, so that fans are able to read about scenes which were cut from the original film. source.

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