Thoughts on Let the Right One In

I'm waiting in line to see Zack and Miri Make a Porno, so I have some time to blog about the last movie I saw. I enjoyed this Swedish film about the friendship between a lonely 12 year old boy and a vampire girl more than my 2 companions did, mosly because of a disagreement about what makes a film "horror" or not. I felt this was a horror film in the classic sense, like the original Dracula or Nosferatu. There is a little gore for sure and some disturbing, creepy scenes, but no jump-out-of-your-skin scares. The stars of the film, the young actors who play Oskar and Eli, are sincere and utterly believable; in particular, I loved the weary inhumanness of Eli. With just a little make-up and oddly effective sound effects, the film makers transform her into a real monster. Even their takes on old vampire lore, like what happens when a vampire isn't invited inside, feel fresh and interesting. The real pleasure of the film is the deep friendship that develops between 2 very lonely and lost kids. It's simply a beautifully made film.