Rich's 300 Word Reviews

Let the Right One in (2008)
Dir: Tomas Alfredson

Recently, the vampire genre has become staler than garlic bread left overnight.
Underworld (2003), Van Helsing (2004) and Twilight (2008): Conventional, stereotypical and safe.
Let the Right One in (2008), directed by Tomas Alfredson is a contemporary vampire film set in the director’s homeland of Sweden.
The film focuses on the relationship between severely bullied twelve-year-old Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant), and Eli (Lina Leandersson); a peculiar girl who moves into the apartment next door and turns out to be a 200 year-old bloodsucker.
Alfredson’s film uses beautifully stark and restrained cinematography to represent an isolated, snow covered Sweden, contrasting dramatically with the lashings of blood following Eli’s feeding habits. The score also manages to evoke the barren landscape and the remoteness between the film’s characters.
The script by John Ajvide Lindqvist, adapted from his original novel, is minimalist and poignant, complementing the film’s backdrop and unsettling themes. From a director’s point-of-view, Alfredson is not afraid to slow the pace down, lingering on scenes that develop Oskar and Eli’s connection.
The film succeeds through its ability to disturb and shock, without using established horror conventions, such as an over-reliance on gore, erratic camerawork and molevelent sexualised characters. Instead, the film’s intensity builds through elements suggested rather than shown, such as Eli’s conflicting otherworldly nature and her unhealthy relationship with Oskar.
The performances by the principle leads are mesmerising. Hadebrant portrays Oskar sensitively and subtly, delivering fear and love with equal conviction. Leandersson has a unique physicality; her strikingly androgynous features and figure lend a sinister quality to Eli.
This is a welcome addition to a tired genre, proving that well-trodden paths can still be re-laid. It should be recommended to all followers of horror or World Cinema.
Other films in a similar vein include Shadow of the Vampire (2000) and Martin (1977).
Trailer @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICp4g9p_rgo