Let Me In

Let the Right One In impresses at first sight, especially with its gloomy atmosphere and the cast of the main child characters, who take on their roles with verve. I have not yet seen the original Scandinavian version, which I would like to remedy in the future, while I personally find it somewhat ill-conceived that an American remake was made only two years after the original, but so be it. Overall, the film left me with an average impression, but in a positive way. I liked the relationship between Owen and Abby, which is definitely very alternative. I was also impressed by the portrayal of the relationship between Abby and her "father". The plot didn't lack a certain amount of suspense, blood, and a moment of surprise, but even so, there was just something missing for me. In short, a horror film to which a well-worn and simple definition can be applied: it doesn't amaze, but it doesn't offend either. (09/02/2016)

The only thing qualitatively comparable to the Swedish original is the setting in the oppressive and detached environment of a suburban housing estate. Otherwise, it's basically a sort of inferior copy of the original film, which by its creation precisely satisfied the American audience's demand for an English dub. And I can't help but think that even the direction was better in the original version (even "just" the finale), not to mention the strangely platonic, yet intimate relationship between the main characters, which lacks any sensuality or even the slightest spark in the American version. (31/03/2011)

Another version of Let the Right One In, this time a whole level up. Matt Reeves only loses out in that he occasionally copies a shot exactly from the first version, but otherwise he takes the better parts from the source material and, unlike the Swedish version, manages to easily avoid cumbersome supporting characters or incomprehensible scenes. And yet it is the main duo that deserves the biggest applause. While in the Nordic version I didn't know whether to root for their romantic bond or just wait to see how their story ends, in Chloë Grace Moretz's portrayal, Abby is a creature that surely makes Owen the envy of all his peers. Their subtle glances during timid intimate moments and the unspoken emotions literally melt hearts and evoke an unexpected smile. At this moment the other version, which is two years older, is only saved by the fact that I saw it first; in direct comparison to Let Me In it loses on all fronts. Therefore, I am disappointed by the local reviews that sometimes suggest a blind love for European first attempts. This is even more paradoxical considering that the original film is "only" adapted from a book, so giving it points for a brilliant idea is at the very least somewhat undeserved. (08/10/2011)

I don't really seek out vampire-themed films, but this is a very good film within the genre. Not necessarily because of any perfect effects, but mainly due to the carefully crafted atmosphere and the steadily increasing tension, with music playing a big part in both. When you add to that the excellent performances of the central duo, who, despite their differences and all the adversities, find affection for each other, along with the unpredictable ending, I can't really fault the creators for anything. However, take my review with a grain of salt, because I haven't read the book and i have also not seen the original Swedish film directed by Tomas Alfredson. (75%) (24/01/2021)

When they remade REC to Quarantine they kept the technical standards, but somewhere along the way all the atmosphere was lost, the remake of Let The Right One In has faired better. I don’t remember much of the original Swedish version, so Let Me In wasn’t boring, and my rating ignores the fact that it is an utterly pointless film, which is its biggest problem. Chloe Moretz is not bad, but the original actress that played Abby / Eli would have been better for the role. Matt Reeves has nothing to be ashamed of, but I would prefer to see him doing something different, maybe a second Cloverfield. (16/01/2011)