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Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar, Henrik Dahl, Karin Bergquist ... see more see more... , Peter Carlberg , Ika Nord , Mikael Rahm , Karl-Robert Lindgren , Anders T. Peedu , Pale Olofsson , Cayetano Ruiz , Patrik Rydmark , Johan Somnes , Mikael Erhardsson , Rasmus Luthander , Soren Kallstigen , Malin Cederbladh , Bernt Ostman , Kajsa Linderholm , Adam Stone , Ingemar Raukola

A 12-year-old boy befriends a mysterious young girl whose appearance in town suspiciously coincides with a horrifying series of murders in director Tomas Alfredson's adaptation of the book by author J... read more read more...ohn Ajvide Lindqvist, who also wrote the screenplay. Oskar is a young boy who can't seem to shake off the local bullies, but all of that begins to change when a new neighbor moves in next door. After striking up an innocent friendship with his eccentric next-door neighbor, Oskar realizes that she is the vampire responsible for the recent rash of deaths around town. Despite the danger, however, Oskar's friendship with the girl ultimately takes precedence over his fear of her. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Flixster Users

89% liked it

47,373 ratings

Critics

98% liked it

167 critics

R, 1 hr. 54 min.

Directed by: Tomas Alfredson

Release Date: January 26, 2008

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DVD Release Date: March 10, 2009

Stats: 9,951 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (9,951)


  • April 12, 2012
    A twelve-year-old boy befriends the vampire who lives next door.
    Slowly paced and atmospheric, this is not a typical vampire film. The children provide an interesting take on the vampire genre, and there is more than enough creepy scenes that might please a horror fanatic.
    Howev... read moreer, the film's pace was often too slow for me, and the exposition was too long. Also, I thought the school bullies were unrealistically sadistic. They seemed like the adult sociopaths whom I've tired of in movies of this ilk.
    Overall, I liked Let the Right One In and am generally impressed by Swedish cinema, but I can't say that I was in the film's thrall, so to speak.
  • April 5, 2012
    I have to admit I watched this film, knowing nothing about it at all and had I known it was a vampire film, perhaps I wouldn?t have watched it with the same enthusiasm, however this is the most naturally acted Vampire film that I've seen to date.

    Two fantastic child leads and th... read moree storyline came across more like a genuine murder tale.

    Slightly stretched out in parts, but most certainly worth the watch. The accompanying music is simply beautiful.
  • March 10, 2012
    Let me shoot this right off the bat: "Let the Right One In" is one impeccably well made movie. Spectacular. The best vampire movie to ever be made.

    It's a much more methodically paced thriller that slowly but smartly eases tension that is to be found in only a few films nowaday... read mores. And when it gets tense, man, you're freezing up. "Let the Right One In" is masterfully directed; it does everything right -- whether it's the Stanley Kubrick-esque style of cinematography to the perfect pacing to the melancholy magic between the two main characters, this is what films are all about. The two lead characters deserve a standing ovation -- it's not only the tone that the movie gives off that accentuates the actors' performances or the great screenplay, but it simply comes down to the superb acting that makes their chemistry so unique.
    There are some wildly outstanding scenes that deserve recognition for it rivals with masterpieces. I loved how the movie is grounded in realism and how though its premise is mysterious in the universe it's placed in, it doesn't reveal too much. It's focus is on the relationship.

    As you can tell, I absolutely loved this movie. It is superb on every level -- technically and emotionally. "Let the Right One In" is an exceptional film that rightfully deserves the praise its been getting for everything within it is masterfully crafted to perfection.
  • fb535316333
    March 9, 2012
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    Incredibly fresh and inspiring, Let the Right One In is an intimate character driven piece of supernatural focused on friendship and romance.

    Having enjoyed the remake more is not to say that the original didn't have it's own little set of merits

    It's definitely less engaging t... read morehan the remake with more respectable pacing but the most notable difference between the two films was the antagonist, whom in the Swedish original witnessed the death of two close friends before making his way to exact vengeance on the "viscous" little girl. Lacke then becomes the embodiment of justice and conflict that is a result of her monstrous existence.

    However, I feel that his additional journey, dimension as a character and subsequent death sends a moral message that's overly provoking with no consequence, not only that but deters from the films core protagonists and their relationship. Something that the remake streamlines, focuses and even builds upon further.

    Also, for a 2008 film the horror and suspense was awfully stilted and even felt dated with no real play on lighting or camera dynamics for additional atmosphere. Simply put, it wasn't very frightening visually and as a horror movie... that's kind of a problem.
  • October 29, 2011
    Full of Darkness and Realism, in away Twilight just can't manage, Let the Right one in is a film that demands your full attention. From the very begining it grabs you by the kneck, and drags you kicking and screaming through a disturbing, but touching, story of a bullied boy who ... read morefinds a friend in a strange girl. Besides the plot, this film has an amazing look. The snowy city the film is based in, with its grimy buildings and dark streets, creates an atmosphere which blends well with the story. This film is un-easy and harrowing to watch, but still an amazing and rewarding experience.
  • fb1216165431
    September 26, 2011
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    An intriguing relationship of a boy and a peculiar girl, Let The Right One In is a film adaptation that successfully communicates valiant messages creating tension by focusing on the relationship over the horror dimension.
  • July 17, 2011
    I cannot say that I loved this movie, but I liked it a hell of a lot more than I thought I would. Confusing sometimes, but still worth a watch.
  • June 26, 2011
    Brilliant! A wonderful film. So effective in it's simple delivery, but still deep meaningful and touching. The script, cast, scenery, and cinematography are all extremely minimal, but where those things lack, the emotion and characters shine. That's where this this film succeeds!... read more

    Excellent performances, even from the two leading child actors. Great mood and atmosphere, and a great musical score! Great foreign film...I wonder how the American version is?
  • May 19, 2011
    Everything that would have made Twilight cool, plus a love story without blatant anti-feminism and one dimensional characters. A vampire film, without saying, should include the gritty aspects, without belittling an audience's intelligence. Here we have an emotionally fraught twe... read morelve year old girl, forced to kill in order to survive, once her guardian is caught killing to feed her blood. She is full of remorse, and possesses a soul, much like the romanticized vampyrs of late, but she also comes across as a realistic monster. Besides all the murder, mayhem, and graphic scenes of bloodletting, the toll of damage is contained to her life, and that of her young friend and neighbor, Oskar. Decidedly more diverse, (suicidal vampire anyone?) Let the Right One In is a masterpiece.
  • April 19, 2011
    This Swedish film really puts a fresh look on vampire films. An excellent original story that balances horror with a dark love story. The cinematography and performances by the young actors is superb.

Critic Reviews


Alissa Simon
July 6, 2010
Alissa Simon, Variety

Calling to mind the work of Anne Rice and Stephen King, atmospheric adaptation of Swedish author John Ajvide Lindqvist's bestseller is well directed by his countryman Tomas Alfredson. Full Review

Tom Long
January 23, 2009
Tom Long, Detroit News

An American remake seems inevitable, but it will be hard to re-create the haunting spell cast by this wonderfully strange film about being young and going steady with a monster. Full Review

Bill Goodykoontz
November 25, 2008
Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic

John Ajvide Lindqvist's script (from his novel) nails adolescent pain perfectly and is realized by Tomas Alfredson's expert direction. Full Review

Ben Mankiewicz
November 24, 2008
Ben Mankiewicz, At the Movies

A really nice little movie. Full Review

Ben Lyons
November 24, 2008
Ben Lyons, At the Movies

This is a really good movie. Full Review

Joe Morgenstern
November 21, 2008
Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal

[Director Tomas] Alfredson's style is as elegant and laconic as Twilight is amateurish and campy. Full Review

Colin Covert
November 20, 2008
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune

Let the Right One In is one of the essential horror films of the decade. It's also one of the most enthralling romances and one of the best films about children. Full Review

Steven Rea
November 14, 2008
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer

Funny, fear-inducing, with periods of voyeuristic gore and an undercurrent of anxiety and dread, Let the Right One In is up there with the bloodsucking classics. Full Review

Lisa Kennedy
November 14, 2008
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post

Like the best vampire sagas, the film is rife with aching melancholy and existential crises. Its haunting beauty isn't marred, but complemented by strong, disquieting images. Full Review

Wesley Morris
November 14, 2008
Wesley Morris, Boston Globe

The beauty of Let the Right One In resides in the way the horror remains grounded in a tragic kind of love. Full Review

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Facts


    • Eli: May I come in?
    • Eli: May I come in?
    • Oskar: Well who said I wanted to be your friend anyway? You must be pretty stupid!
    • Eli: I'm twelve. But I've been twelve for a long time.
    • Eli: Oskar... I'm not a girl
    • Eli: Be me for awhile.

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Let the Right One In Trivia


  • 2008 saw a filmic event that sounds like an oxymoron: a great Swedish vampire movie. What is the English title of this darkly charming picture?   Answer »
  • What happens to a vampire when they enter a room without an invitation, was an important scene that was almost omitted from this film.  Answer »
  • Notable & Influential Films of ____. The Hurt Locker Changeling Let the Right One In Gran Torino Tropic Thunder  Answer »
  • The American "Let Me In", starring Chloe Moretz, is a remake of what Swedish film?  Answer »

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