9.0

Let Me in

Based on the Swedish film and the novel by Ajvide Lindqvist, "Let the Right One In", director Matt Reeves creates a perfect verbatim of the 2008 film that puts a new twist on Vampire mythology. There has been some criticism that Reeves paid too much homage to the original film but even though the original movie was carefully scripted, the Western remake is more fluid and then we have the actors... Chloe Moretz and Kodi Smit-McPhee who really capture the characters perfectly.

Set in 1983, the film revolves around a 12-year old boy named Owen (Smit-McPhee) who lives in an apartment in Los Alamos New Mexico and suffers from all the same problems as a normal boy but then has to cope with his parents recent divorce. Unfortunately for Owen, he has become quite distant from those around him, until a strange girl moves in next to his apartment. The girl is called Abby (Moretz) who appears to be the same age as Owen, however as the movie progresses, we learn that Abby is a vampire and that her father (Richard Jenkins) oddly leaves her at home during the nights, searching for a way to feed his daughter. However as Abby and her "father" move into town, a string of murders are discovered which forces a police officer (Elias Koteas) to investigate.
 
Eventually the isolated Owen befriends Abby and even when he discovers her secret, the friendship becomes far stronger than what is and isn't acceptable in society. Although this version mirrors the original 2008 movie, there are some subtle changes that are quite positive and without spoiling the film, Reeves adds a few twists and changes of his own that only enhance the original tale. For example, Jenkins as the father has some very powerful and strong scenes in this movie that really captures this tormented soul to perfection. At times, Let Me In is a very violent movie and apart from the feeding and blood letting, the scenes with Owen and the bullies at school is a little distressing.

But with that said and even though this is a horror film, Let Me In is a romance movie and seeing the relationship between Owen and Abby is a pure treat to watch. I was quite impressed to see these young actors as they really portray a true sense of realism and in a few years time, I would place a bet that these actors will be quite popular. The sense of childlike innocence, even by the ageless Abby is quite surreal but very realistic given the topic of this film. Best of all, the movie had an ending that made me smile and thank the heavens that it ended like this.

The video quality looks great on DVD and at times the movie is quite dark and bloody but here are some great moments of sunshine, literally that make this film a pleasure to watch It's a very visual film as opposed to constant chatter or action of some other movies. The cinematography is also impressive that is complimented by the wonderful soundtrack that at times makes good use of the Dolby Digital 5.1 format. Add in some interesting special features and Let Me In is one of the best movies I have seen in ages.

This is not your average vampire but something more akin to art. Recommended!