Let the Right One In

Completely lives up to the hype - Let the Right One In is nothing short of superb. It feels odd to throw a superlative at the film, though, for in its quiet way, it feels a bit beyond words - to watch it is to be wrapped up in a distinctly filmic experience, in which horror, drama and a sweet, painful coming-of-age romance coexist in complete harmony. It's a genuine horror movie - the vampire elements are far from merely symbolic, aesthetic or mechanical - but it functions equally well on those other levels, and as a pure mood piece, too. A couple of born-of-budget-shortcomings moments of sfx hokiness aside, its craftsmanship is beyond reproach, including the spectral, compelling performances put in by the two child leads, and to the extent that it builds to a climax, it's oddly muted and the more effective for it. A real pearl.

(w/ M)