Movie Review: “Let Me In” (2010)
After enjoying the original Swedish version of this film, I was hesitant to watch the American remake. We all know Hollywood often trips over it’s own feet trying to over-commercialize movies to the point they lose all heart and soul. With the unfortunate success of the Twilight books and movies, I was worried that the empty suits would try to spin this into something it was never intended to be in order to generate a few extra bucks. Thankfully, the film is just as good—if not better in some ways—than the original.
It’s a horror flick and yeah, there’s some stuff about vampires, but those looking for the generic “kids go into the woods and get killed” type of movie will be disappointed. However, those looking for a cerebral, beautifully shot film about loneliness, love, and coming of age that stays true to the intent and vision of the original film and novel are in for a treat.
Carrying the movie are two young actors, Kodi Smit-McPhee as Owen, and Chloe Moretz as Abby. Smit-McPhee never really got a chance to flex his chops in The Road, but here he delivers a powerful and honest performance. And Moretz, who kicked ass as Hit Girl in the aptly named Kick Ass, proves once again that she is an actress of impressive talent.
The movie needed an honest chemistry between the two characters, and director Matt Reeves is able to craft a story that takes them through several stages, from their initial childish innocence and curiosity to the subtle shadows of darkness that lurk just below their surfaces, acting as a force that both attracts and binds them together. You truly feel for the characters and the loneliness they convey (Owen is bullied at school and neglected by his divorcing parents; the phone call to his father was truly painful to watch), with the fixed notions of good and evil blurring to a gray area that feels “right”, despite the sinister overtones.
My only beef with the film was with a few of the CGI “attack” scenes. They just seemed a bit choppy and overly fake. Other than that, this movie is pretty much note-perfect. And the climactic scene in the pool…well, let’s just say Reeves is able to deliver the same satisfying emotional wallop that the original did, thanks to the actors being able to generate a relationship that viewers can invest so heavily in.
Let Me In is one of the best films of 2010. Highly recommended.