Let the Right One In.
Here's what Netflix has to say about it: "Twelve-year-old Oskar, the constant target of bullies, spends him time plotting revenge and collecting news items about the grisly murders plaguing his town. Things change for Oskar when he meets new girl, Eli, a misfit vampire who steals his heart. As a serial killer continues to prey on teen boys in the village outside Stockholm, Sweden, Eli helps Oskar find the courage to stand up to his tormentors."
My favorite line of the Netflix review "a misfit vampire steals his heart." Really, Netflix, that's what you're going with? Are you trying to curry the favor of the 'tween crowd searching for a new Bella & Edward. Ugh. It's Monday, and I really don't have the energy to rustle up the righteous indignation the Netflix review needs.
Let the Right One In is unlike any vampire movie I've seen. In fact, I learned a few new "facts" about vampires. I also think it's mislabeled as a horror movie. It's a beautifully shot, sweet and tender coming of age story, where one of the lead characters just happens to be a vampire.
Oskar hasn't had it easy, his parents are divorced, his dad is probably gay, Mom isn't around all that much. Added to this stew is the fact that some bastard kid has decided that Oskar is the perfect kid to kick around (let's pause for a moment to question why Oskar - the Bully's minions cry the entire time they beat Oskar up? Why not get some different minions and beat your old ones?). Furthermore Oskar gets some new neighbors and some freaky shit starts to go down around town.
Oskar's new neighbor Eli hangs around in the snow without a coat, smells funny sometimes and doesn't go to school even though she's the same(ish) age as he is. Eli implores Oskar to stand up to his bully and he makes something of an effort. Emboldened, Oskar & Eli play in the school basement, Oskar decides he wants Eli to be his blood-sister, slices his hand open and his new friend freaks out and starts licking the blood puddle on the floor. Oskar begins to question his new friendship, especially her "tastes."
Eli's keeper, having gone all Two-Face is no longer in the picture and she now has the place to herself (roommates can be such a bother). Oskar & Eli hang out in her apartment, she shows him her treasures and he questions her taste for blood. Once he comes to terms with the fact his new friend is a vampire, he wants to protect her from all who wish her dead.
The final five minutes of the movie elicited an audible "awww" from The Jesus.
I'm curious to hear what Karl has to say about the movie (Karl, the Jesus and another aficionado each received a copy from Netflix within a few days of each other) upon his return from the hinterland.
I give it 3.5 George's - though it doesn't have really any "George" worthy qualifications, the story, though it worth it.
Posts
