Let Me In (2010)
Starring: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Chloë Grace Moretz and Richard Jenkins with Elias Koteas
Directed by: Matt Reeves
Plot
Owen (McPhee) thinks he has a new friend in the neighbor who just moved in. Abby (Moretz) just wants to be left alone. As days pass the fondness grows between them but can Abby tell Owen what she is, that she is a vampire?
Review
Let Me In is a remake of Let The Right One In (2008), a Swedish horror film based on the book of the same title. While there are many similarities as both films come from the same source material, both films are uniquely different and are able to stand alone on their own merits. Right off the bat one gets the sense of isolation which is Owen’s life, harassed by bullies, cut off from his alcoholic religious mother and absentee father. Owen has no one in his life to help him. What Abby is, is made known to the audience at second time she meets Owen right as their friendship begins to bloom. This film is, at its heart a beautiful love story, two desperately lonely people who, through fate, find each other and seal their love and friendship in blood.
This is a horror film no question. Real life horror surrounds Owen, at home and at school. Kodi McPhee plays the victim very well. In his constant torture by bullies you will literally scream at the screen “LEVE HIM ALONE”, as you get the ever present sense of despair that Owen feels through this relentless bullying. Chloë
Grace’s performance as Abby is touching, and frightening all at once. You feel the love and compassion she has for her caretaker (Jenkins), and the growing admiration she has for Owen. You also get the anxiety and pain she feels when its time for her to feed. While she is playing a vampire who has walked the earth for over 200 years, she still is a 12 year old girl inside and you get that feeling throughout the film (another difference between this and LTROI) especially when she starts to suspect that Owen is falling for her.
The film moves at a good pace. Everything is established well leaving little to question. All actors in this film work well and have little nuances that heighten the tense moments and bring out all kinds of emotion in the viewer. Kudos to Matt Reeves for putting such a good spin on a very good novel and film. The differences are clear and direct, the cinematography is excellent, and the story is sublime. One thing that usually goes unnoticed in horror films is the score. The beautiful score composed by Michael Giacchino enhances this film making many scenes that much more powerful.
Likes
Awwww look at the love! So cute to see young love in bloom
What light through yonder window breaks? Its Romeo and Juliet! Follow the clues they are very clear throughout the film.
EEK! Forgot this was a horror movie…My! What big teeth you have!
Dislikes
A little more of Jenkins’ character would have been nice to really solidify his place in Abby’s life
Also more Elias Koteas “the cop”, something like how long has he been on the case
What I Learned
Vampires get lonely too
Best Quote
“So, what do you want to do…down here?” ~Abby
Rating
I would rate this film 4 ½ outta 5.
Final Comment
Let Me In is VASTLY different from Let The Right One In, in so many ways. Fans of the book will note the MAJOR difference between Abby and Eli. Fans of the LTORI movie should note that Eli is more grown and savvy (emotionally and mentally) in many ways than Abby and that Eli’s motivation is also a bit different than Abby’s too. Two films, One cup… drink and enjoy!
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