Let Me In (BD)(2011)

Review by Mari Lynne Rupp



The plotline of this movie, which is an americanization of "Let the Right One In", is the story of a bullied young boy who befriends a female vampire who only "looks" his age.
This version put out by Anchor Bay stars Koti Smit-McPhee as the boy (Owen) and Chloe Moretz as the vampire (Abby, in this version). Now, while I am normally abhorrent of remakes, and american versions (The Grudge being a prime example. Much is lost in translation.) this one stays quite true to the original vision. It still gives you that feeling of unsettled discomfort as you see Owen being abused and bullied, and seeing Abby feeding and dealing with her "Guardian" (Played by Richard Jenkins) and Owen's growing fascination with her. There are a few key scenes that, if left out or changed in any way, would have lost me entirely. I think Matt Reeves adapted this nicely, and kept faithful to one of my new favorite vampire movies. It really struck me, that even though Abby/Eli's obvious years and supposed maturity, the vampire character keeps some childlike aspects to them, with that inevitable sense of predatory chill. Even if you've seen "Let the Right One In", this would still be worth a look.
Eight out of ten