Alright, let's turn the clock back to the year 2008 and discuss one of the best Swedish foreign language films I have ever seen.
Låt Den Rätte Komma In or more commonly known by the English title Let The Right One In, is a fantasy film which explores the growing relationship between a young boy living in a small town and similarly aged vampire girl.
Over the years, the film has received immense praise (including over 70 international film awards) and a massive cult following due to the success of the production.
Because Låt Den Rätte Komma In falls under the fantasy genre, the film may not touch on many pressing issues.
However, the film does touch on issues relating to the effects bullying leaves on children and the importance of family and friendship have on matters of harassment.
Synopsis
Låt Den Rätte Komma In follows the story of Oskar, a young boy who lives in a small, cold town in Northern Sweden. Oskar doesn't have many friends and spends most of his time alone.
He also finds dark things like violence fascinating. He is considered to be something of an outsider at school because he's different from his peers. He is regularly bullied at school by other kids and regularly fantasizes about getting even with them in his head in the shape of imagined, brutal scenarios.
Then Oskar meets a girl named Eli who is just as reclusive, moody and lonely as himself. The two share a very odd relationship and grow closer together. The duo soon become friends through their shared experiences and loneliness.
Oh, and there is also that vampire element too which is hard to ignore. But I do not want to spoil anything for you, so I won't go into further detail about their mini adventures (which are brilliantly depicted in the film).
The remainder of the film follows the two friends as they grow closer and live out their own youthful fantasies in the bleak Swedish winter.
Important Themes
As noted above Låt Den Rätte Komma In is a tremendously well produced film. It is a one of a kind vampire film which succeeds in telling a complex but very believable story (which is very impressive considering the whole vampire thing).
Låt Den Rätte Komma In also touches on themes revolving around bullying, trauma and uniqueness.
Fantasy films are almost always the best at speaking to issues of being different and being an outsider. They are all about overcoming obstacles, embracing your differences and letting them shine. They allow for all of those people who may be oddballs to express themselves through their heroines in such films.
Låt Den Rätte Komma In is no different, as the film shows just how much young Oskar has to go through on a daily basis and how the two children choose to ignore the proverbial norm.
Moreover the relationship between Oskar and Eli is very intriguing too.
Their relationship starts as the two see each other both as outsiders who bond over the smallest of details. As the film goes onward, their relationship grows as they both help protect the other from their enemies.
Conclusion
Låt Den Rätte Komma In is undeniably one of the best vampire films to be made. It is that good. I can't say enough how you have watch it. It is a must watch.
Much like I said when I watched Ondskan, Låt Den Rätte Komma In was one of the first Nordic films I had ever watched. Both introduced me to world of Swedish films, in two completely different ways. I quickly fell in love with foreign film short after and later with international film as a whole.
For me, writing about Låt Den Rätte Komma In is like looking back on a happy childhood memory.
I cannot say enough about how brilliant and different the film was. It is quite unlike anything you will ever watch in your life.
