The 2008 Swedish horror movie Let The Right One In tells the devastating story of a 12-year-old boy's romance with a vampire. Adapted from the book by John Ajvide Lindqvist, the film is as emotionally upsetting as it is scary. The movie doesn't shy away from the inner world of the main character and the pain that he is going through at such a young age.
In contrast to many horror movies that aren't critically acclaimed or popular with fans, Let The Right One In has a 98% rating on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer and a 90% Audience Score. The American remake Let Me In, which was released in 2010, did a little worse, earning 88% and 76%. Let The Right One is a great example of a smart and unnerving vampire horror movie that has a memorable ending.
What Is Let the Right One In About?
Let The Right One In is a creepy vampire horror movie, but it has so much emotion that it tells a moving story as well. In 1982, Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant) is a bullied 12-year-old boy in Blackeberg, Sweden, and all he wants is a friend who he can relate to and who will treat him kindly. This heartbreaking set-up is smart, as when Eli (Lina Leandersson) moves in nearby, it makes sense that Oskar is immediately drawn to her.
Both Let The Right One In and the American remake Let Me In are original and underrated vampire horror movies. The Swedish movie does a better job of showing the darkness and violence inside the young vampire character. As Eli kills several people throughout Let The Right One In, it becomes clear that they are dangerous. But the movie excels at proving that Eli would never hurt Oskar as they care a lot about him.
When Oskar learns that Eli is really a vampire, he is shocked and a little scared, but also realizes that they have more in common than he originally thought. Eli is one of the most iconic movie vampires because they feel an instant connection with Oskar. And they're compassionate about Oskar's lonely situation, wanting to help him become more confident in the face of bullies.
How Does Let The Right One In End?
The Let The Right One In ending allows the film to stand out from other underappreciated vampire horror movies. Oskar is devastated by the idea of Eli running away, but Eli can tell that they won't be able to stay for long. Eli has to figure out how to maintain their new love for Oskar while keeping themselves safe.
When a bully almost drowns Oskar at the town swimming pool, Eli kills every single character who has been harming Oskar, which is shocking to watch even though they have been violent throughout the movie. This is one of the scariest scenes in the entire movie.
The Let the Right One In ending is what makes it an underappreciated 2000s horror movie. The final scene features Oskar on a train. Eli is in a box and Eli uses Morse code to write "kiss." When Eli writes "small kiss," it's clear that they will stay together, and they will find a way to be happy. While it's sad that Oskar has to leave his home and mother and everything he has known behind, it's devastating to realize how hurt and isolated he has been. It's clear that leaving is the only way forward.
How Is The American Remake Different?
The American remake Let Me In is a great movie that stars Chloë Grace Moretz as Abby, the vampire who befriends Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee). Let Me In follows Let The Right One In closely. Abby moves into the same apartment complex as Owen and the two bond while Owen shares his lonely story with Abby.
The Let Me In ending is actually almost exactly the same as the ending of Let The Right One In. This time, though, Abby murders a detective who seems to be onto her, or who at least knows that she has committed crimes. Abby kills the bullies who hurt Owen at the swimming pool and then there is the same scene of Owen and Abby on a train. This time, Abby is in a trunk, not a box, but the sentiment is the same.
Let Me In is one of the best horror movie remakes as it captures the same sadness as Let The Right One In but adds its own touch. The performances by Moretz and Smit-McPhee are what make the remake worth watching as they truly capture the joy and pain of a young boy falling in love with a vampire. Both vampire horror movies are beautiful and touching, proving that all anyone wants is love and connection, whether they are human or not.