Let Me In

Synopsis: A young boy’s new friend holds a dark secret.

Release Date: October 1, 2010     MPAA Rating: PG-13

Genre(s): Horror,

Film Review

Abby is not your average twelve-year old girl. She holds a dark secret that is all together frightful. Her sweet angelic face is quickly forgotten when the intense sound of her stomach growling occurs. Abby is a vampire, and she needs blood to survive. Owen is a sweet boy who has no real friends. His days at school are a scary experience as the school bully has chosen him as his prey. All he wants is someone to be friends with and to love. When Abby and Owen find each other it is a friendship they both need but one that may be headed for tragic results. Let Me In tells the story of the friendship between Owen and Abby in the midst of murder and mystery that has befallen the small, snowy town they live in. Knowing that Abby is a vampire you are constantly waiting for what may happen next. The tension so great throughout that you can hardly breathe at times because as much as you want to believe Abby would never hurt Owen you can never be sure. When the taste for blood overtakes her, and her eyes turn into the demonic possessed animal she truly is, the evilness inside of her cannot be held back. This is a film that is not altogether scary for what is shown, but more for the emotional and psychological effects it has on you as the story escalates into a climactic ending that is disturbing yet gratifying. With an ending that will shock you, as well as raise questions as to what the future could possibly hold for Owen and Abby, the film never ceases to keep you guessing or simplify anything. This is not your average vampire movie, and that is what makes it unique and spectacular to watch.

With two fantastic performances by Kodi Smit-McPhee (Owen) and Chloe Grace Moretz (Abby), and flawless direction by Matt Reeves, this film shows that a re-make can live up to its predecessor. The original film, Let The Right One In (Tomas Alfredson 2008 Sweden), having been released only two years ago was praised by audiences and critics alike. With great trepidation the American re-make was looked upon. Thankfully it is an excellent re-imagining of the original film and adaptation of the novel, Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist.

As a horror film we come to expect the use of a score, and sound, to heighten our senses as to what unimaginable or frightful things are about to occur. What this film does that surpasses the basic premise of sound and score in the horror genre is mix it with romance. The foreboding music helps give rise to the tension and suspense while the chillingly romantic music plays against the friendship and love Abby and Owen feel for one another. The two very different extremes make the music a key element in emotional connection for the viewer. You are constantly thrown into a confusing blend of emotions when at one moment your heart is racing over the unspeakable acts about to occur and the next you want to cry over the beauty found in Owen and Abby’s bond. The score makes the richness of this story truly come through for the viewer and only further extends the idea that this is not a mere horror movie.

Cast and Crew

• Director(s): Matt ReevesDonna GigliottiCarl Molinder
• Producer(s): John NordlingSimon OakesNigel SinclairMatt Reeves
• Screenwriter(s): Kodi Smit-McPhee (Owen)Chloe Grace Moretz (Abby)Richard Jenkins (The Father)
• Story: Cara Buono (Owen’s Mother)
• Cast: Elias Koteas (The Policemand) Stan SalfasGreig FraserFord Wheeler
• Editor(s):
• Cinematographer: Michael Giacchino
• Production Designer(s):
• Costume Designer: 
• Casting Director(s): 
• Music Score: 
• Music Performed By: 
• Country Of Origin: UKUSA