Let the Right One In

Release Date: Oct. 24 (New York)

Director: Tomas Alfredson

Writer: John Ajvide Lindqvist

Cinematographer: Dariusz Wolski

Starring: Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson

Studio/Running Time: Magnolia Pictures, 114 mins.

A gorgeous vampire love story from Sweden…seriously

It is hard to believe that after about a hundred years of vampires in the cinema there would be anything left to say on the subject. But then comes a surprise out of Sweden that brings a fresh angle to the genre. Let the Right One In features an introverted boy, Oskar, who makes friends with an odd young girl, Eli, who has just moved into his apartment building with her father. Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant) doesn’t understand why Eli (Lina Leandersson) never goes to school, never gets cold and has blood under her fingernails. And her supposed father is making strange, late-night walks while carrying a toolkit. As the bodies pile up, Oskar learns the truth about his friend, but doesn’t truly understand her awesome powers.

Director Tomas Alfredson has actually created a beautiful and intelligent love story, in spite of the film’s gory scenes. The innocent dance of young people getting to know each other and Oskar’s journey into the teenage years are not treated as backdrops for horror but rather as major parts of the story. There’s word that an American version is in the works for a 2010 release, but the smart choice would be to see this version now, lest the studio kills its availability. Leandersson gives an incredible performance displaying a wide range of emotions and physical action. The effects, though sometimes subtle, are always riveting. There’s a sense of creepiness without cheap scares throughout, proving once again that vampires are still alive (so to speak) and kicking—and, of course, biting.