Let Me In

Icon Films

R4 DVD

Let The Right One In is a film which created a cult film sensation. Made in Sweden it was a unusual and controversial coming of age love story mixed with an outsider sensibility and one of the strangest vampire films you will ever see. Directed by Tomas Alfredson it was a huge success. When it as discussed that Matt Reeves was going to remake the film for the American market fans were horrified and rightly so, remakes are not normally anything to write home about. Let Me In is the American adaptation of the film.

Amazingly Reeves has done justice to the original film as well as giving it some extra elements which add to its poignancy. By setting the film in Reagan period America Reeves is able to explore the themes of bullying and cultural narrowness in a way the original didn’t, even if it is only by the eighties soundtrack, social references and the familial context of the film. Owens mother is an alcoholic, his father is non-existent and he lives in a world where he is bullied and mistreated. He has no family or friends to support him and is essentially alone in the world.

A strange girl named Abby moves in next door and they become friends. At the same time brutal murders start to occur in the neighbourhood as bodies are found drained of blood. The juxtaposition of the innocence and intensity of their simple relationship and the brutality of her existence is superbly played. We come to understand that Abbey’s “father” was actually another companion who grew old with her but when he realizes he could no longer collect the blood she needs, lets himself be captures so Owen can take his place. The emotional sensitivities of the relationship between Owen and Abbey is beautifully portrayed and the slow progression in Owen’s psychological development until he is willing to accept Abbey for what she is well handled. Abbey becomes his solace from a cruel and vicious world and ultimately it is assumed he will become her guardian.

This is a melancholic film filled with bleakness, loneliness and compassion and is one hell of a vampire tale.

Reeves has remade Let Me In close to the original keeping an eye on the plot but modifying the CGI for excellent effect while giving the film a very bleak 1980’s American tone. This is one of the best horror remakes I have seen in quite a while. It has taken a haunting and compelling film and moved it to America without the loss of context, character development or plot, no mean feat !

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