In a time where vampires have become warm, cuddly and surrounded by an atmosphere of adolescent whimsy, Let The Right One In takes the genres most established creature and once again makes them something to be feared.

There are no gorgeous vampires in designer threads with outrageously floppy hair, nor are there any love triangles or overly romantic overtures; instead there is only a lonely boy named Oskar (Kare Hedebrant) whose life changes after unknowingly befriending a vampire.

Forget the cross, garlic or even daylight - this movie deals with the most basic aspects of vampire lore: the undead can only tread where they are invited. This rule is integral to any vampire tale but thus far has only been relevant in fleeting references or in short, throwaway scenes, which leaves so many questions unanswered; who setup such an odd rule for the re-animated creatures, what happens if a vampire tries to cross the threshold without an invite, and is it possible to rescind an invite once it has been offered.

These simple ideals have never been fully explored by the genre, instantly giving Let The Right One In a unique appeal that proves you can still put a new spin on a timeless classic.

Unassuming in its very nature, Let The Right One In spends a tremendous amount of time to the budding friendship of Oskar and Eli (Lina Leandersson), complete with so many angelic lullaby notes and a sense of childhood innocence that you may even forget you are watching a horror movie. Its an artsy affair, one so unlike anything else currently being churned out of the Hollywood horror dungeons.

So much so that when the vampires are revealed and the gore is unleashed, the movie stakes its claim for greatness.

What Worked

Much like 30 Days Of Night, the backdrop of winter provides the perfect setting to explore the characters at the film's centre, and helps symbolize the isolation and inner cold of poor Oskar and also the inner turmoil of Eli (who for all intents and purposes, remains a little girl despite her supernatural existence).

Unlike that movie though, the innocent relationship between Oskar and Eli gives Let The Right One In a genuine feel and slowly brings these two characters together before ripping them apart. On a more cerebral level, Oskar finds a way to bring the human side out in the lonely girl, but during their time together Oskar also sacrifices his own innocence by standing up to the bullies, becoming something of a monster himself.

What Didnt Work

The vampire gore may be top notch, but it is the bullying of poor Oskar and his school-time torment that leaves you wincing away from the screen. The scenes of whipping and cruel schoolyard violence are more brutal than any of the supernatural elements. Coupled with the passive nature of Oskars resistance to their efforts to inflict pain can be difficult to watch, so much so that you easily find yourself hoping that Eli will set her sights on Oskars tormentors instead of Oskar himself.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

Let The Right One In stars Kare Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson and Per Ragnar. The movie was written by John Ajvide Lindqvist and directed by Tomas Alfredson.