Let the right one in

This is a Swedish movie. The title of the movie is derived from the vampire-myth that a vampire can enter a room only if invited in. Yes, this is a vampire movie. But labelling it as a vampire movie would be gross injustice. Because in reality, it is one of the most beautiful and touching movies made in recent times. The movie is based on the novel by the same name (in Swedish of course).

The movie tells the story of Oskar, a timid and sickly kid of 12. He is bullied by his mates in school and spends his evenings fantasizing about violent vengeance on his tormentors. His parents are divorced and it seems neither parent wants him. He is desperately lonely and you can actually feel his loneliness seeping into you.

One evening, while acting out his imagined vengeance, he comes across Eli, a hauntingly soulful and pale-as-death kid, a vampire kid as is gradually revealed (It's not really meant to be suspense). Eli is strongly suggested to be a girl in the movie. But you are never actually sure. In the book, Eli is a boy who was castrated. And in the movie too, Eli says twice to Oskar "I am not a girl.". But in the circumstances, that could easily have meant "I am not just a girl. I am a vampire." Anyway, I myself prefer to interpret Eli as a girl. And probably, that is the way, she should be interpreted.

Eli and Oskar strike up a heart-warming friendship, which seems to be perfectly natural even though Eli is a vampire. Both kids are so lonely and unloved that gravitating towards each other would be quite inevitable. After a point, they decide to "go steady". The scene in which they come to this agreement is really beautiful. There are several more interactions between Eli and Oskar which are worth watching again and again. Unspeakably beautiful and heart-achingly romantic.

There are other side-stories like the story of Oskar getting back at his tormentors, the story of Jocke, Lacke and Lacke's girlfriend. Then there is another very intriguing side-story. The story of Hakan, Eli's middle-aged friend. In the movie, Hakan's relationship with Eli is not explained. His duty is to procure human blood for Eli. He could be her father, a sympathiser or just a follower. In the book, Hakan is described as a paedophile, who loves Eli but is never able to get close to her. Hakan's attempts at murder and getting blood for Eli are comically inept and he fails more often than not. So Eli has to fend for herself very often, which results in some blood and gore in the movie. But the horror in the movie is depicted very naturally and in fact, very honestly. Due to which, it's impossible not to sympathise with Eli even if she is a pretty cold-blooded killer.

The setting of the story is a cold and snowy suburb of Stockholm. The cold white snow and the dark surroundings actually just mirror the loneliness of the two main protagonists. The dialogues are minimalistic yet very touching. And the direction is quite superb. The two 12 year olds in the movie deliver brilliantly nuanced performances.

This is an absolutely must-see movie, one of the best in recent memory. I have revealed as little of the plot as possible, because I want this movie to be seen by everyone. I hear there is a Hollywood remake to be made very soon. I hope the project falls through. I am sure they will just end up making another "Twilight".