Monday, November 1, 2010

Let Me In: Review

Let Me In

Written and Directed by: Matt Reeves
Starring Kodi Smit-McPhee, Chloe Moretz, Richard Jenkins and Elias Koteas

Let Me In is a very well made film based on an even better made foreign film that was truly only made because North Americans can’t read and eat popcorn at the same time.

Let Me In is the American re-make of the Swedish classic Let the Right One In. Although I (rightly) refer to it as a classic, Let the Right One In is only two years old, which makes the decision to do a re-make that much more surprising; however, while we can argue about the needfulness to do such a quick re-make just to avoid sub-titles, we can’t argue about whether or not this is a great film—it is.

Let’s start with the acting. Reliable character actors Richard Jenkins and Elias Koteas give depth and pathos to their smaller roles, especially Jenkins; but it’s the kids that elevate this film and set it apart from traditional vampire schmaltz. Kodi Smit-McPhee (Owen), who was exceptionally strong in The Road is no less capable here and Chloe Moretz (Abby), the true star of Kick-Ass, shows that she’s an actress to watch with a strong, finessed performance. When a film isn’t counting on car crashes and gore, strong acting is a necessity. Speaking of which, this movie has great car crashes and gore … only slightly kidding

Let Me In is a very faithful re-make, following the original’s slow pace, exquisite shots and strong acting; nonetheless, Reeves does inject some new blood into this vampire flick, with one of the better single shot car crashes you’ve ever seen and a little more American gore. The gore, however, doesn’t overwhelm and, as in the original, it’s the strong universal story of alienation, loneliness and childhood fears and friendship that drives this film.

Let Me In is one of my favourite films of the year. Let the Right One In is one of my favourite films of all time. That doesn’t mean, however, that one shouldn’t see Let Me In. If you haven’t seen the original Swedish film, then by all means, please check it out, you won’t be disappointed. If you have seen the original, check it out anyway. The film plays respectful homage to Let the Right One In, but has enough of its own character to be called that rarest of things: a very good American re-make.

Let Her In.

Point of Interest: There is one scene, or to be more precise, one shot that is in the original film that the new film completely chickened-out on. I assumed that the American version would not include this shot, and sure enough, they didn’t. That’s too bad because it’s essential to the story and to the message of loving someone despite their considerable differences—they’re a vampire, etc. I thought that maybe they’d get around this puritanical problem by doing what is done in the book: when Owen (Oskar) is kissed by Abby (Eli) her history is passed through to Owen in flashback. This would have been one way they could have separated themselves a little from the original film and not have to have “the shot” that American audiences would have burst into tears over. Although, funny enough, they did have “the shot” in the Swedish film released in North America without censoring it, (I don't know how we survived!) so it’s too bad they capitulated here. What is “the shot?” I can’t tell you without ruining the story, especially if you haven’t seen the original or read the book. Speaking of the book—read it! Written by John Ajvide Lindqvist, it’s a great book with obviously more detail and entire story lines that aren’t in either film and has a much more layered and interesting look at Abby/Eli’s “father.”