Let the Right One In (2008)

Let the Right One In (2008) is a haunting, slow-burn blend of drama, crime and supernatural fantasy set in the snowbound Stockholm suburb of Blackeberg in 1982. It follows lonely, bullied 12-year-old Oskar, who finds an unexpected and intense bond with Eli, a mysterious girl who appears only at night. Their fragile friendship gives Oskar the courage to push back against his tormentors — but Eli is no ordinary companion: she cannot tolerate sunlight, must be invited inside, and survives by drinking others’ blood, a truth that forces both children into morally tangled choices. Watching the film, you’ll experience a quietly arresting atmosphere more than flashy horror: long, wintry shots and minimalist sound design create a cold, isolated world punctuated by sudden, shocking bursts of violence and darkly comic moments. The performances are restrained and intimate, drawing you into the kids’ inner lives and making the supernatural elements feel painfully human. The movie balances tenderness and dread — moments of shy friendship, awkward teenage longing and fiercely protective loyalty sit alongside criminal brutality and moral ambiguity. Emotionally, the film is melancholy and ambiguous rather than straightforwardly terrifying. You’ll be asked to empathize with Oskar’s longing for belonging and to wrestle with how far love can excuse horrific acts. Visually and tonally, it’s elegiac and stark: expect understated cinematography, a chill that’s both literal and emotional, and a slow, deliberate rhythm that builds to morally complex and unforgettable confrontations. In short, Let the Right One In is a quiet, eerie fable about loneliness, revenge and the costs of attachment that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Actors: Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar

Director: Tomas Alfredson

Runtime: 114 min

Genres: Crime, Drama, Fantasy

7.3 /10 82 /100 7.8 /10 7.8 /10