Terror Transmission

Oskar isn’t exactly what you call a popular 12-year-old boy. Pale and outcast, he spends his days stewing over the regular bullying he endures at school, stabbing a tree with a knife, imagining his tormentors at the other end of his blade. His sadness and vulnerability are utterly palpable. He’s alone in a way only a truly outsider child knows. Until he meets Eli.

Eli is an outsider as well. In fact, she’s a vampire. She’s recently moved into Oskar’s Swedish suburban neighborhood with someone who appears to be her father — and later proven to be her sort of Renfield, given the task of acquiring blood for her. Problem is, he’s not very competent, which nudges Eli further into having to feed herself. During this stressful time, Eli and Oskar develop a close friendship, culminating in romance. Eli teaches Oskar to stand up for himself. And Oskar? Well, Eli’s just plain glad he’s there for her.

This coming-of-age, romantic horror movie (yes, all of that) is set amidst the bleakness of northern European winter — desolate and cold, no matter how many people are around. Much is the metaphor in this film: loneliness, isolation, and standing apart from the rest are prevailing themes here. It also takes place in 1982, with a scattering of visual clues to the time period throughout. A certain puzzle cube comes to mind. Yes, you might want to put on your thinking cap because there will be some symbolism, which only adds to an already wonderful story led by some solid characters. Despite the rare moments of supernatural occurrence, you are held tight to a very realistic situation between two people contending with the rest of the world. You almost forget this is a scare picture until the blood starts flowing.

Let The Right One In is more than just a tale of revenge — although it’s fair to say that the bullies get their just desserts. It adequately captures a very dark period in the childhoods of many, those who didn’t fit in and often didn’t want to. And through it all, finding that one safe spot where time stands still and everything is perfect, away from the noisome masses. Of course, it’s a horror movie, too, but wrapped up inside an oddly charming tale. Just not Disney charming. Highly recommended.