“Let Me In” is a hauntingly beautiful coming-of-age story with the vampire genre used as a metaphor for the pain of adolescence. Written and directed by Matt Reeves, this movie is a remake of “Let The Right One In,” a Swedish language movie released last year and based on John Ajvide Lindqvist’s novel. Reeves understands the terror that adolescents experience, especially if they’re the target of bullies. Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee) is a gentle boy, but his confusion over his parents’ impending divorce and his inability to evade the boys who beat him up every afternoon is slowly creating someone full of anger and dark thoughts. Then Abby (Chloe Grace Moretz) and her guardian (Richard Jenkins) move in next door to the lonely Owen. Abby’s an outsider, too, but after centuries as a vampire, she’s got a bit more perspective if not maturity. She warns him that they can’t be friends, but their shared alienation proves to be a powerful bond and they connect anyway.
Reeves allows us to share the delight of their growing affection while never shying away from the horror of their reality. Owen is a victim (which is painful to watch) and Abby will do what she has to to survive, even if that means attacking a neighbor. And Richard Jenkins’ character’s melancholy and quiet desperation enhances the tension that builds as he goes on his final ‘hunt.’ Reeves’ cast is very effective, especially Smit-McPhee and Moretz, who embody both the pain and joys of childhood. Owen’s decision at the end comes as no surprise; he might seem gentle, but he’s capable of terrible things. With “Let Me In,” Reeves successfully juxtaposes youthful innocence with horror and murder. 10/7/10
“Let Me In” is an interesting study in a school child trying to overcome bullies and the way a couple of outcasts deal with it. The peculiar thing is one of them is a vampire. This film is well-acted and directed but quite bloody. Worth seeing!
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