The movie “Let Me In” has instantly become one of my favorite movies. The best description I’ve heard is ‘terrifyingly beautiful.’
It’s focuses on 12 year old Owen who lives with his mother in a small suburban apartment and a girl of the same age who moves in next door. However, the girl has a dark secret. It’s an unconventional coming of age story to say the least.
‘Let Me In’ is an American adaptation of the critically acclaimed Swedish film ‘Let the Right One In’ (2008) directed by Tom Alfredson. The movie conveys a rawness and grit which all indie movies could only hope to accomplish. Director Matt Reeves (Cloverfield) captures the innocence of youth while maintaining the gore and lure of REAL old world vampires.
As we all know very well, the reputation of vampires has been tainted by one Stephanie Meyer, author of the tween smash hit novel series known as Twilight. Brace yourself, it’s gonna be a Twilight rant. A good friend of mine and drummer for Blessed Le Strange, Austin Farmer, and I both have come to the conclusion “Twilight vampires aren’t vampires at all. They’re leech people” Vampires CANNOT walk in the daylight let alone “shimmer” when they do. In 2004, author John Ajvide Lindqvist published a novel ‘Let the Right One In’ which was the influence for the swedish film. And while there are some similarities in plot between Twilight and Let Me In, the overwhelming difference is Lindqvist’s superior ability to meld the two worlds of innocent youthful love and ancient folklore. Meyer’s take on the subject is comparable to smut erotic novels which teach young girls that when you’re fucking a vampire, if you don’t break the bed, you’re doing it wrong. (this is an excerpt I was told about, not one I read, for obvious reasons)
The bottom line here is that ‘Let Me In’ is an absolute must-see film. This movie moved me in ways I would have NEVER thought a horror film could.
